A thief posing as an employee at a barbers stole a man’s necklace and walked out half way through giving him a shave.

Police have released details about a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident at the salon in Woodford Avenue, Redbridge.

The 44-year-old victim was shown to a barbers chair, and a man placed towels over his face and proceeded to shave his neck.

The man – who did not work at the barbers – then left the left the client midway through the procedure and left through the front door.

The victim then discovered the necklace he had been wearing missing.

The man is described as around 40 years old, 6ft tall, wearing a black hat, dark waistcoat, dark shirt and dark trousers. He had a brown beard and green eyes.

The necklace is a 22-carat gold heavy chain with a cross and booklet pendant with a leaf motif, valued at £3,500.

The incident happened just after 3pm on Friday June 5.

Anyone with information or who can identify the man is asked to contact police in Redbridge on 101 quoting reference 4410171/15.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.