JEWELLERS across the South were put on alert today after a Southampton City College lecturer was robbed of his £3,350 Rolex wristwatch.

The 51-year-old was knocked unconscious when two teenagers pounced on him as he left after lectures between 6pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday.

Police said the victim had his glasses knocked off as he was set upon just outside E-block in the college grounds off St Mary's Street.

The lecturer, who works in the college's engineering department, remembers coming round on his front and struggling back to his office. From there he alerted security staff and police after finding his valuable Rolex and wallet missing.

Today police appealed for jewellers and second-hand shops to be on their guard for the stolen watch.

Members of the public were also urged to keep their eyes peeled for the distinctive Rolex Oyster perpetual superlative gents' wristwatch, said to have great sentimental attachment to the loser.

Detective Sergeant Dave Grocott, of Southampton Central CID, said: "This was a serious attack. We would be interested to hear from anyone who knows someone who has just acquired a watch of this description or is offered one in the run-up to Christmas."

Police found the victim's wallet abandoned nearby but the watch remains missing.

It is described as stainless steel and yellow metal with a jubilee bracelet and champagne baton dial. Its unique serial number is 7241478.

The robbers were both aged in their late teens and between 5ft 2in and 5ft 4in tall.

One had fair hair which was greased back and wore a dark-hooded jacket with dark jeans and bulky trainers.

The other had darker combed back hair with a dark brown jacket and dark khaki trousers.

Anyone who has information is urged to contact Southampton Central CID on 01703 335444 or the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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