Masked thief steals £1,350 ring from Hamilton Jewellers in Christchurch

POLICE are hunting a masked thief who snatched a ring worth more than £1,000 from a Christchurch jewellery store.

The man targeted Hamilton Jewellers in Pound Lane around 1.15pm yesterday (Thursday) and, although no threats or violence were reported, a Dorset force spokesperson said a staff member was “slightly hurt” when they fell over while chasing him.

Having escaped with the ring, valued at £1,350, the offender collided with a member of the public as he ran through the underpass towards Waitrose.

He was described as white, 5ft 9in tall, wearing a dark double-breasted jacket with epaulettes, a flat cap, light shoes and a scarf across his face.

Those with information should contact officers on 101 or online at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online quoting crime reference number 55210207960. Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.