Police have issued an appeal after a thief posing as a barber stole a 22-carat gold chain worth £3,500 while shaving his victim.

Around 3pm on June 5, a 44-year-old man was shown to a barber’s chair and a man placed towels over his face and started to shave his neck at a salon in Woodford Avenue, Clayhall.

Police say the man, who did not work at the barbers, fled through the front door midway through the shave.

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

Police are looking for a man around 40-years-old, 6ft tall, wearing a black hat, dark waistcoat, dark shirt and dark trousers.

He has brown beard and green eyes.

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

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

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.