A RING was stolen from the finger of an elderly man - using a slight-of-hand trick, police in Upton upon Severn have revealed.

The incident took place in the car park of the Blue Bell Inn, Grove Crescent, Ryall, at around 2pm on Friday, February 22, when a woman approached the victim, offering to sell him jewellery.

The woman admired the man's gold ring and then he held it up to show her. It was not until he got home that he realised his ring had gone and had been replaced with another.

The woman is described as black, of large build and around 40-years-old. She was wearing dark clothing and a lot of jewellery.

A police spokeswoman said: "This is obviously a very concerning incident in which an elderly person has been targetted.

"We would ask anyone who is approached by someone selling jewellery or other goods in the street under unusual circumstances to contact police immediately."

Police are also appealing for witnesses who may have seen the woman in the area around the time of the theft.

Anyone with information should call 08457 444 888, quoting 420/S/220208, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.