Police have released footage showing the moment two thieves tricked a lone man and stole a £10,000 watch outside a hotel, by giving him a hug.

CCTV footage captured the two men approaching the lone man, in his 40s, who was sitting on a step outside the entrance Beaufort Hotel in Knightsbridge , smoking a cigarette.

One of the suspects gave the man a hug and the other pulled on the man’s out-stretched arm and slid a £10,000 gold Rolex watch off his wrist.

The two men then left and headed towards Brompton Road. Only later when the man looked at his wrist did he realise his watch was taken.

The incident, outside the Beaufort Hotel on Beaufort Gardens, took place on December 29, 2015, and was reported to police at around 10pm, just after the robbery.

Descriptions of suspects released

Detectives from Kensington and Chelsea borough hope the footage will identify the two men they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Suspect one is described as a slim white man, aged in his mid-20s, with short dark hair. He was wearing a red body warmer over a grey tracksuit and black trainers.

CCTV captures the robbers in action out the Beaufort Hotel

Suspect two is described as a slim white man, with a thin beard, aged in his mid-20s. He was wearing a white cap with a black peak, a green bomber jacket, dark trousers and white trainers.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the two men shown on CCTV.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 020 8246 0182 or via 101 quoting reference number 206952 (suspect one) or 206953 (suspect two) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.