A shot was fired as a gang of armed robbers stormed a Black Country jewellery shop in a daylight raid.

Three hooded men armed with sledgehammers and a gun burst into Lal Jewellers in Dixons Green Road, Dudley at around 2pm yesterday.

Police said a shot was fired in the air and a female member of staff was threatened by the raiders.

A sizeable amount of jewellery was stolen in the robbery. The raiders later fled the scene in a car.

Forensic teams from West Midlands Police spent last night examining the shop and police closed the road from the junction with Peel Street and Owen Street for several hours.

Traffic was diverted away from the scene, causing long tailbacks.

Police spokesman Catherine Hickman confirmed they were investigating a reported armed robbery.

She said: “Initial reports suggest three men wearing hoodies entered the premises and made threats with sledgehammers and a firearm.”