ARMED robbers who carried out a £1 million raid on a jewellery store may have made part of their escape in a taxi, police said.

Lothian and Borders Police have urged taxi drivers who were in the area to come forward as they renewed their appeal for witnesses a week after the raiders smashed through a jewellery store with an axe and a gun before stealing diamond rings, necklaces and designer watches.

The two thieves targeted Rox in George Street, Edinburgh, on January 15. One used an axe to smash display cabinets while the other brandished a handgun at two female staff.

The raiders are both described as being 20 to 30 years old, and wearing jogging bottoms and hooded tops. They had their faces concealed.

After stuffing the jewellery in rucksacks both men escaped on a black Honda 650 motorcycle, which was later found abandoned in Northumberland Street North West Lane, along with the axe.

Police said inquiries suggest the raiders may have got into a taxi after abandoning the motorbike.

Officers will today be revisiting the scene in a bid to trace potential witnesses who may have been in the area at the time.

It is believed the raiders had intended to steal a rare timepiece worth £500,000, but it was not in the store at the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Bobby Deas said: "We have had an excellent response from the public following our appeals for information, and I am hoping that today's activity will result in more people coming forward."