Police have released images of a pocket watch previously owned by former US President Woodrow Wilson that was stolen from an antiques dealer in Camden Passage.

A man entered the store in Pierrepont Arcade claiming he wanted to buy a vase at around 12.30pm on Saturday.

It is believed he opened a display cabinet and stole the watch after his payment declined and the shop worker returned the vase. The watch is 14 carat gold pocket and is worth up to £20,000.

The watch 

CCTV images of the suspect 

Officers have also published a CCTV image of person they want to speak to.

PC Joshua Brown, from Central North Basic Command Unit, said: “The owners of this watch are very distressed. The item had been in their family for a long time and I would urge the person who stole it to return it as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD 1857/15Dec or calling independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.