Two diamond rings have been snatched by a thief at a jewellery shop.

The thief asked to compare two rings at Hidden Gems, in New Romney High Street, on Tuesday at 3pm, but when he had hold of both of them he ran from the shop.

Shop owner Chris Highwood chased the thief down the road but was unable to catch him. Police are now appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who is offered the rings, to come forward.

Mr Highwood said: “A young man came in asking to look at rings for his girlfriend.

“He looked at a diamond cluster ring and a half eternity diamond ring and then asked to compare the two . Once he had both rings in his hand he turned and ran out of the shop.

“I ran out after him shouting stop, thief.”

His daughter Jessica followed as the pair went down Church Close, into Church Road, Church Lane and Tookey Road and then into a field.

She said: “I wish I had been wearing my trainers, instead of high heels that are no good for running.”

CCTV footage of the snatch has been given to the police.

The thief is described as 18-19 years old, white, slim and with black hair. He was wearing light coloured jogging bottoms and a dark top.

It is believed he may have had someone waiting in a black Ford Fiesta parked nearby.