Masked gang rob couple of £400,000

Masked raiders broke into a couple's house and stole jewels worth £350,000.

The London couple were at home when three men burst in. They escaped with diamonds, a sapphire ring, several Cartier watches and £50,000 cash.

The robbers were not armed but did threaten the owners at their house near Harley Street. There were no children in the house at the time.

The raid happened on 9 October, but details have only just been released. Police will explore possible links with similar incidents at the homes of wealthy Londoners.

Some insurers have noticed a growing trend for jewel thieves to strike while victims are at home.

This may be because they avoid increasingly sophisticated security systems which may only be turned on when the owners are out of the house.