Police issue warning covering Manchester city centre after 'blink of an eye' incident

Police are urging city centre goers to 'remain vigilant' after an iPhone was stolen out of a victim's hand 'in the blink of an eye'.

They are appealing for the public's help following the theft on Tuesday and have released this CCTV still of a man in a balaclava riding an e-bike. Police say they believe he could have 'vital information that could help with the investigation'.

The theft took place on Angel Street and Rochdale Road on the northern outskirts of the city centre at around 6.30pm.

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Pc Lewis Mellor said: "Whilst we look to identify and arrest those responsible we are asking for people in the city centre to remain vigilant of their personal belongings and to ensure they don’t become distracted whilst on the high street.

"In this case we are looking at a high-value iPhone was taken whilst it was in the victim's hand. We understand the distress these incidents can have especially when it can happen in the blink of an eye."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 2987 of September 24 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.