A BAG of diamond rings valued at £25,000 were snatched from a salesman's car in Nelson town centre.

The thief lay in wait until the salesman returned to his silver Volvo and then took the bag containing 150 9ct and 18ct gold rings.

Detectives said the theft happened so quickly the salesman, who was in the car, had no time to react.

The thief, who is of West Indian descent, fled to a red or maroon Rover car a few yards away in Russell Street before escaping.

The salesman, from Leeds, had just got into his car outside Oscar's video shop in Scotland Road and put the bag on the back seat when the thief struck.

Andrew Turner, manager of Turner's Jewellers, Scotland Road, said: "The rep had been in the shop for about half an hour showing us his wares from the bag and taking our order. He'd gone back to the car and was about to set off when it happened.

"He came back to the shop and rang the police. He was very shaken up. Fortunately he wasn't hurt and it could have been a lot worse." Detective Sergeant Steve Chard, of Nelson CID, said: "The offender opened a door and snatched a black bag containing the rings. He then made off in a car parked nearby.

"It was all over so quickly the man in the front of the car had no time to do anything to stop it from happening.

"The area was very busy and a lot of people would have seen this happen. I would ask anyone who say anything suspicious to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472644."

The thief is an Afro-Caribbean man with black curly hair, described as bushy, but short. He was 5ft 11ins, well built and in his 20s. He had a black beard which was cut close. He was wearing a dark brown leather or suede three-quarter length coat. The rings were of various designs.

The theft happened at 11.50am on Monday where Scotland Road becomes a pedestrianised precinct.

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