Gems 'seized in traffic jam'

Police today issued an appeal for witnesses after a jeweller reported the theft of nearly 300 gems from the boot of his BMW car as he was caught in a London traffic jam.

The store owner claimed the jewels - believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds - were taken from his blue £50,000 6 Series Coupe.

The 60-year-old man had been driving from Hatton Garden to the M1 on 13 August when he felt a bump to the back of the car while he was in traffic. He later discovered that the jewellery had been stolen.

His route took him along Fleet Street, Waterloo Bridge, Trafalgar Square, The Mall, Hyde Park Corner, Park Lane, Edgware Road, Swiss Cottage, Finchley Road and towards the M1.

Pieces stolen include 207 diamond rings, 36 necklaces, 35 pairs of earrings and six wedding rings. All were engraved with the mark "CW".

Anyone with any information should contact Camden Police on 020 8733 6910 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.