A ROBBER dug his fingernails into the hand of a shop assistant when she tried to stop him stealing trays of rings.

The thief walked into the Fernbank Jewellers in Strood High Street and asked to see a tray in the window. When told the rings were not gold, he asked to see another tray. He grabbed both and tried to stuff them into a carrier bag.

The assistant tried to stop him but he dug his nails into her and ran out of the shop off with one tray. Among the items stolen were gold rings with various precious gems valued at £400 in total.

The assistant was not hurt. Police are looking for a man described as white, in his early 20s, 5ft 5in with dark brown, cropped hair. He was wearing a dark blue, zipped jacket with taupe coloured trousers and white trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Medway Police on 01634 884252 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555111.