A GINGER-HAIRED man with a tattoo of a tear under his left eye is being hunted by police.

He threatened an 18-year-old near the Spar shop in Manxman Road, Highercroft, Blackburn, and stole his watch.

The thief had approached his victim at about 7pm on Saturday asking for the time.

In addition to his distinctive traits, the thief was in his mid-20s, 6ft 2ins, had a goatee beard and was wearing a dark tracksuit.

Detective Constable Keith Rimmer said CCTV footage showed that a lot of people were in the area at the time.

DC Rimmer appealed for those witnesses to contact him on 01254 353569 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.