A MAN will appear in court this morning in connection with a masked burglary at a Wellington jewellers.

UPDATE: Man in court over jewellery shop attack

Theives struck at around 3.30pm on Saturday (August 13), when they smashed the window of J Welch Jewellers before taking a number of watches and driving off.

A man was arrested later that day in connection with the incident, with three men still on the run from police.

One man who works in the jewellers is reported to have suffered cuts to his hand after the window was smashed.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said a man had been charged in connection with the incident at J Welch Jewellers in South Street, Wellington on Saturday afternoon.

The spokesman added: "He is Joseph Hale, aged 22, of Wallasey in Merseyside.

"He is due to appear at Taunton Deane Magistrates Court today (August 13)."

Police were first called to the scene at 3.30pm on Saturday, after two men wearing masks smashed the window of the jewellers and grabbed a number of watches.

The theives abandoned a pick axe at the scene before fleeing in a car.

A police spokesman added: "We were called the jewellers in South Street at about 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon.

"Offenders forced entry and stole watches left the area in a dark blue Mercedes (EY62 CXV) travelling along South Street towards Burford. This vehicle was later found abandoned in the Chelston area of Wellington.

"Shortly afterwards a Renault Captur (PN18 PFE) was stopped near to Bishops Lydeard and a man arrested, while others ran off.

"The search continues for the three men.

"We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicles, the suspects running away from the vehicle or has any information

"Anyone able to help is asked to call us quoting 5218179997."