A THIEF grabbed a £1,200 wedding ring and ran out of a jewellers on Thursday. 18/9

A man walked into H Samuel in Kings Walk, Priory Meadow, Hastings, at 11.45am and asked to look at an engagement and wedding ring set.

He talked to the assistant, then took the rings and ran out of the store.

He ran out of the mall, into the main shopping area turning into Queens Road. He was last seen running down South Terrace in the direction of St Andrews Square.

It is a Perfect Fit nine carat white gold wedding and engagement ring set, with a two to three carat diamond bridal set.

The suspect is described as in his forties, white, 5ft 8 in with dark hair. He was wearing a light pink top and carried a Sports Direct bag. He is also said to have dirty looking hands.

Sergeant Paul Elrick, of Hastings Response Team, said: "I ask anyone in the second hand business to keep an eye out for this expensive set of rings. It could be that whoever has stolen them will be looking to sell them.

"Alternatively if you are presented with the surprise gift of a shiny diamond cluster ring that seems beyond the giver's means and it gives you reason to be suspicious, call us.

"This theft has been very upsetting for the staff involved and I would urge anyone to make contact with us as soon as possible with information."

Call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting 0549 18/9. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.