Police have released a picture of a man wanted in connection with the theft of a £30,000 diamond ring.

Detectives are now urging Sussex jewellers to be on their guard for people asking to look at expensive items.

The lightning theft happened at Chichester and police believe the same gang struck again 24 hours later in Surrey.

The Chichester snatch occurred at Ebony Jewellers in South Street last Tuesday, November 6, at 4.50pm.

A man aged between 25 and 30 asked to look at the diamond ring and then ran outside to a waiting Vauxhall Astra with a partially-obscured registration plate.

A £15,000 ring was stolen the following day in a similar crime, again involving a man waiting for the thief in a white car.

Police released the pictures of a suspect, the car and the ring in a bid to get information and new witnesses.

A spokesman said: "It is not known where the offenders come from but they could commit further offences anywhere in the region."

People with information about the snatch have been asked to contact Chichester police on 0845 6070999.