A MAN has appeared before Ealing magistrates accused of stealing a necklace worth £650 from a woman in Southall.

It comes after incidents in which middle-aged Asian women in traditional dress were approached by a man who would begins conversation by saying "Excuse me, aunty" in either Punjabi or English before grabbing the victims' gold necklaces.

Police said, on October 9, a 37-year-old woman was confronted near the Territorial Army Centre on Uxbridge Road in Southall and then on October 30, a female victim saw the suspect and called the police for assistance.

Following a police search a 28-year-old Asian was stopped in Ranelagh Road, Southall, and later charged with robbery.

He appeared at Ealing Magistrates Court on November 2 and is currently on remand awaiting trial.

Meanwhile police are investigating two further robberies in the Southall area around the same time using a similar method. Anyone who may have been a victim or has any information is asked to call the Acquisitive Crime Unit on 0208 721 7019 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.