Peterborough: £5,000 Rolex Watch Stolen

12 May 2014, 11:56 | Updated: 12 May 2014, 12:02

British Transport Police have released CCTV of a man officers want to trace, after a £5,000 Rolex watch was stolen from a passenger on a train in Peterborough.

It was taken from a man's arm on a Cross Country Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street Service as it pulled into Peterborough at around 8:55pm on Monday 5th May.

PC Simon Courtney said: "A man approached the victim and shook his hand. 

He them clamped his hand over the victim's wrist, refusing to let go. 

The victim managed to pull his arm free but the man had removed his watch and then jumped out of the train door as it sat in the station. 

The victim and another passenger chased the man and briefly managed to catch him. 

A struggle ensued but the man managed to fight his way free and run out of the station. 

He did leave behind a coat and bag which we have seized and are being forensically examined. 

Enquiries conducted following the incident have enabled officers to isolate the image of a man they believe has key information. 

PC Courtney added: "We believe the man captured on CCTV may have vital information about the incident and call on anyone who recognises him to come forward.

We would also like to hear from anyone who may have been offered a Rolex watch for sale in suspicious circumstances.

If you have any information about the incident, please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.