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Two quizzed over £40m Mayfair gems raid
20 Aug 2009Detectives investigating Britain's biggest jewellery robbery were today interviewing two men in connection with the raid.
The suspects were arrested in London yesterday — nearly two weeks after the £40 million raid at Graff Diamonds in Mayfair.
Police say the arrests are “significant”, but are refusing to disclose further details for “operational reasons”.
Sources describe the police inquiry as “fast-moving” and say further developments are expected soon.
Flying squad detectives have been hunting a six-man gang who staged the audacious raid on the New Bond Street jewellers on 6 August.
Two smartly dressed men travelled by taxi to the store before being captured on CCTV footage walking calmly inside. They pulled out two handguns and ordered a woman employee to put 43 items of jewellery in a bag.
As the robbers fled they briefly took a woman staff member hostage before firing at a security guard.
Four getaway vehicles with individual drivers were used in the escape plan.
Detectives are believed to be focusing on a British gang after recovering DNA from at least one of the getaway cars, a blue BMW. Material recovered is believed to have provided a match on the police DNA database.
Forensic science specialists have also been examining a discarded handgun and the robbers' disguises.
Last week officers arrested and questioned a 50-year-old man in Ilford. He was released on bail pending further inquiries.
During the massive manhunt, officers have searched properties in a series of raids across London and the South East. Materials from make-up artists who unwittingly helped the robbers by altering their hair and skin tone to make them look older have also been examined.
Insurers have offered an unprecedented £1 million reward for information leading to the arrests of the gang.
