A GANG stole a watch which had been passed down to the grandson of a man killed at the Auschwitz concentration camp.

The watch had belonged to the robbery victim’s grandfather before he was killed at the Second World War concentration camp.

It had been handed to the robbery victim’s father shortly before the grandfather entered the death camp.

The victim was visiting Brighton for a short break from his home in Wiltshire.

He decided to go for a stroll on July 20 between 7am and 8am and walked along King’s Road.

He reached the area on the seafront near the Hilton Hotel when he was approached by three men with cans of drink in their hands.

They started chatting to him and said they were from South East London. They asked for his phone and he refused. They then grabbed his bag before kicking him in the groin and running off.

The bag contained a number of personal items, including the silver Longines watch.

It is described as having a clear face, with Roman numerals, dated circa 1912.

Detective Constable Caroline Biggs said: “Obviously the victim is devastated that this item has been stolen. Anyone who has any information about such an item recently being offered for sale or seen with anyone is asked to contact us.

“We'd also like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or saw these men in the area at the time.”

All three are described as white, in their late teens and about 5ft 7in in height.

The man who grabbed the bag is described as having mousy short hair, of slim build and was wearing a white hoodie and white tracksuit.

The man who kicked the victim in the groin was also of slim build, with short dark hair and was wearing a dark-blue jogging jacket.

The third man, who asked to see the victim’s phone, had dark short hair and wore a dark-blue hooded top.

The police want two young women who were with the men but were not involved in the robbery to come forward.

One is described as white, with pink hair and is aged in her 20s.

She is of slim build, about 5ft 7in and was wearing a light top and dark jeans.

The second was of Indian or Asian appearance, about 5ft 7in and wore a hooded grey top and dark jeans.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn. police.uk.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.