A COLLECTION of watches worth £21,000 has been stolen during a violent robbery which left a 67-year-old man with facial injuries.

The man was targeted by thieves shortly after withdrawing 12 collectible watches from a safety deposit box.

He was walking through Gildredge Park in Eastbourne when he was approached by two men.

One of the men assaulted him, causing facial injuries.

The man dropped his bag, which contained the valuable watches, and the pair made off with it.

They were seen heading towards the bowling green following the incident, which happened at around 4pm on Friday November 12.

Police want to hear from witnesses and anyone who sees the watches for sale.

The men are white, in their 20s and around 5ft 8.

The one who carried out the assault has bright blonde hair.

Anybody who witnessed the assault, has any information that could help police or encounters somebody attempting to sell the watches pictured is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 984 of 12/11.