POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to about a theft from a Worcester city jewellers.

A necklace and bracelet were stolen from Ernest Jones in the High Street on Thursday between 2pm and 2.20pm.

A man entered the store and asked to look at two items of jewellery.

He asked the shop assistants to put the jewellery items on, claiming he wanted to see what they would look like on his girlfriend.

The man took photographs of the necklace and bracelet on his mobile phone, saying he was going to send them to his girlfriend.

He then appeared to have a conversation on his phone with his girlfriend, before grabbing the items of jewellery which had been placed back on the counter, and running out of the store in direction of St Swithin’s Street.

PC Paul Wanklyn said: “There is an element of distraction to this theft, rather than the items being simply snatched from the shop.

“The stolen necklace is described as a nine-carat gold ‘belcher’ chain 18 inches long.

“A nine-carat gold ‘candy’ bracelet was also taken. Both had heart charms on them and they have a combined value of more than £1,000.

“We are releasing this CCTV image of a man who was seen in the area of the jewellers at around the time the theft happened.

“We are keen to trace him as he may be able to help us with our inquiry. I would urge anyone who knows who this man is or saw him on the day of the theft to contact us.”

Anyone with information can call PC Wanklyn on 0300 333 3000, quoting 314S 070612 or call on 0800 555 111.