Paris: An estimated $80 million worth of gems were stolen from the Harry Winston jewellers of Champs Elysees, police said on Friday.

Three armed men raided the shop on Thursday evening and forced the staff to hand over almost all of the jewels on display.

"The haul is worth several million euros. The estimates change," said a police spokesman.

Investigators believe the robbers were very well informed about their target. "Apparently they knew the names of some of the staff," the spokesman said.