Manhunt after thug punches Breitling sales assistant in the face before stealing £10,000 watch

Manhunt: Police have released CCTV images of a man they are trying to trace following the incident
Metropolitan Police
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A manhunt has been launched after a thug punched a sales assistant in the face before stealing a watch worth more than £10,000 from a busy east London shopping centre.

The suspect asked to try on the expensive Breitling Super Avenger II watch at the Brietling store in Westfield, Stratford, before assaulting the staff member and making off.

Flying Squad detectives have released CCTV images of a man they are trying to trace following the assault and theft which unfolded in the busy shopping complex on Saturday, January 6.

Scotland Yard said the victim, also a man, did not suffer lasting injuries in the attack.

The CCTV stills were taken before the assault and theft took place in the busy Westfield shopping centre
Metropolitan Police

In statement, officers said: “Detectives would like to hear from anyone who can name the male shown in the CCTV stills which were captured inside the shopping centre before the offence was committed.”

Anyone who can name this person should call Flying Squad Detectives by dialling 101, quoting reference or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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