AN EXPENSIVE watch was snatched from a Covered Market jeweller by a 'customer' and two accomplices.

The daylight theft saw a topless man steal a Rolex watch from John Gowing Jewellers in Oxford city centre, as another man opened the shop door and a third loitered outside.

Police have appealed for witnesses of the theft, which happened between 4pm and 4.15pm on Monday.

Officers said the topless man entered the shop, an independent jeweller and watch specialist, and asked to see solid gold chains.

A staff member explained they do not stock chains and the man left, and joined two others standing outside the shop.

About five minutes later he returned and asked to see a Rolex watch from the cabinet.

As he was handed the watch to try on, one of the men outside opened the door, allowing the thief to run off with the Rolex.

The two other men ran off down Avenue 4 in the Covered Market, which leads to High Street.

Police did not specify the value of the Rolex, but most models retail at several thousand or even tens of thousands of pounds.

The thief was described as black and in his mid 20s, about 5”7 tall and of muscular build.

Police said he was wearing a black, wide brim floppy hat, light blue or grey jeans and trainers.

He was described as 'topless with his t-shirt rolled up around his neck'.

The second man was described as black, of a large build and was wearing a long-sleeved blue t-shirt, dark trousers and trainers.

The third was described as black and slim, wearing a white baseball cap, a blue t-shirt, white and navy shorts and white trainers.

Investigating officer PC Michael Finch said: “We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who saw anyone matching the descriptions above.

"We would also ask shops to check their CCTV."

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference 43180216969, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.