Police have released images of a valuable pocket watch that was stolen from an antiques dealer in Islington.

At approximately 12:30hrs on Saturday, 12 December a man entered the store in Pierrepont Arcade claiming he wanted to buy a vase.

His payment was declined and the shop worker returned the vase. While this was happening it is believed the man opened a display cabinet and stole a 14 carat gold pocket watch presented by former US President Woodrow Wilson.

The approximate value of the watch is between £17,000 and £20,000.

Officers have also published a CCTV image of person they want to speak to.

PC Joshua Brown, from Central North Basic Command Unit, said: “The owners of this watch are very distressed. The item had been in their family for a long time and I would urge the person who stole it to return it as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD 1857/15Dec. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.