A THIEF asked to examine a ring in a jewellery shop and ran out without paying for it.

A man, aged between 45 and 55, went to Timothy Roe Fine Jewellery in South Street, Chichester, on Thursday.

Officers were called at 2.45pm after the white 6ft tall medium built man, dressed in a tartan trilby, black coat, striped scarf and wearing glasses, made off with the item and was seen running towards Cooper Street.

Police believe the incident could be linked to another theft from a jewellery store in Petersfield, Hampshire, earlier that afternoon and have published a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to.

PC Dave Phillips said: "This theft happened in front of shop staff in a busy part of Chichester during daylight hours.

"We would like to speak with the man shown in the image and anyone who may have seen what happened."

Any witnesses should call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting 0795 of 26/11.