A thief asked a man for directions to the nearest hospital then snatched a Rolex watch from his wrist in a shocking robbery.
The incident happened in Nether Alderley, a village just below Alderley Edge in Cheshire, on Saturday, October 1. Police said the victim was approached on Nursery Lane, a quiet country road.
The man, who appeared 'distressed', asked him for directions to the nearest hospital. He then went to the shake the victim's hand before snatching his Rolex watch from his wrist, police said.
READ MORE: Dad smashed up Ferrari on Deansgate after ‘emotions got the better of him’ following nightclub row
The thief fled the scene. The victim was left with a bruised arm and has been 'shaken' by the incident.
Detectives are now appealing for anyone with information about the robbery - which happened at around 3pm - to come forward. Detective Constable Steph Darbyshire said: "The victim has understandably been left shaken by the incident.
"I want to reassure the community that we are working hard to make sure those responsible are identified and caught. Our enquiries are ongoing and as part of this we are asking anyone with any information, no matter how small it may be, to come forward.
"We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage which may help our investigation."
Anyone who has information, CCTV or dash cam footage can contact Cheshire Constabulary online here or via 101 quoting IML 1378969. Information can also be provided by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Traumatised family of six 'lose everything' after devastating bedroom fire destroys home
- Fear over loan shark lenders ‘prospering’ from cost of living crisis
- 'Rare condition causes bruise-like rashes all over my face... but I'm embracing it'
- "This is the worst it's ever been" - Fear and shock on streets after man stabbed by hooded gang
- Dad smashed up Ferrari on Deansgate after ‘emotions got the better of him’ following nightclub row