POLICE are hunting a thief who smashed a display cabinet and stole a £16,000 diamond ring from a Dorchester jeweller.

The incident happened on Monday at around 4.50pm at Allum and Sidaway Jewellers in South Street.

A man entered the shop, smashed a glass display cabinet with a hammer and made off with the platinum ring, which has a circular diamond solitaire.

The offender is described as white, in his thirties, five feet nine inches tall and of medium build.

He was wearing a black hooded jacket with the hood up.

Detective Sergeant Tom Isaac, of Weymouth CID, said: “I am appealing for witnesses and anyone with any information about this incident to contact me.

“I am particularly keen to hear from members of public who may have seen someone matching the description of the offender in the South Street area on Monday afternoon.

“I would also appeal for anyone who has been offered a valuable diamond ring to buy for an unusually low price or in suspicious circumstances to get in touch.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:451. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.