A THIEF has fled from a Hampshire jewellers wearing an £8,000 watch.

The man was at the David Mellor Jewellers in Eastleigh when he asked to try on the stainless steel Rolex Sea-Dweller watch.

But while he had it on he ran out of the door, leaving the Swan Centre shopping centre, via Blenheim Road.

Police have today released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the theft.

The jewellers is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to a successful conviction for the theft, which happened on Tuesday, at around 3.50pm.

The man is described as white, around 24 to 26 years old, of slim build, around 5ft 9in tall with short mousey coloured hair, and was wearing a pale blue buttoned up short sleeved shirt and three quarter length jean shorts.

He was also wearing distinctive white coloured Ray-Ban sunglasses..

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call PC Mark Connor at Eastleigh Police Station on 101 quoting 44140272178 or charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.