Appeal after women targeted in series of jewellery robberies in Leeds

Police have launched an appeal after a spate of robberies where women, mostly of Asian heritage, were targeted for their jewellery.

A total of seven incidents are said to have happened since March, with a number of similar offences also being reported last year.

All happened in the Headingley, Hyde Park, Hunslet and Burmantofts areas of Leeds.

Pictures of a man a police are seeking have been released, after victims including an elderly woman and a pregnant woman were targeted.

Detective Inspector Victoria Vessey, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “It is clearly of concern that a man is targeting women who have often been on their own at the time of the offences.

“If you or someone you know has been the victim of a similar offence then please report it to the police. This helps us in understanding any patterns to these robberies and ultimately, we want to get justice for everyone who has been a victim of these offences.

“People may have misplaced loyalties, and I would urge them to think how they would feel if it was their female family member who was being approached while alone and vulnerable and think about if this is really someone they want to protect.”

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.