AN appeal for help has been issued after a watch worth nearly £100,000 was seized during a robbery in Hale.

Detectives say a man in his 40s was threatened by a pair on Hale Road with a socket wrench last Sunday, at around 4.40pm.

He was forced to hand over an Audemars Piguet rose gold skeleton watch, valued at around £98,000.

Police say the robbers fled in a black Audi A3, possibly an S Line model. The victim was left shocked but uninjured.

The first man, carying the socket wrench, was white, more than six feet tall, slim, with a grey hooded top with a logo. His partner was shorter, stocky, and had a light-coloured hooded top. He spoke with a local accent and sounded 'young'.

Det Sgt John Seaton of GMP’s Trafford District said: “We’d urge anyone who recognises the description of those involved, was in the area at the time or has any information to contact police immediately.

“I’d also ask the public to get in touch if they become aware of anyone attempting to sell the watch pictured.”

Witnesses can call police on 0161 856 7587 quoting log 2326 of July 26.