Vivienne Westwood handbags stolen by moped gang

Smash-and-grab raiders snatched thousands of pounds-worth of Vivienne Westwood handbags, police said today.

Four people on mopeds smashed their way into the designer's self-titled store in London's West End and made off with the bags.

The handbags, which are part of the new autumn/winter line, are worth between £200 and £800 each.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said officers were called to Conduit Street just before midnight yesterday when two mopeds crashed into the shop door.

The passengers went into the shop and stole the bags.

Detective Constable Ross McEwen, from Westminster Crime Squad, said: "The West End is a very busy area in the evenings and we are hoping someone may have information which can help our investigation."

One of the "Vespa-style" bikes was silver, while the other was black with red wheels.