POLICE have released a CCTV image following an incident in inside a pub in Cheshire.

Officers are now appealing for information following the theft of a mobile phone from the premises.

At about 1am on Saturday, December 23, a woman had put her phone on a table in the Swan With Two Necks in Macclesfield.

The woman temporarily turned her back to speak to a man she knew.

While distracted, an unknown man took the phone from the table and left the premises.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the incident.

Sergeant Matthew Bassirat, of Macclesfield Town Beat Team, said: “As part of our enquiries, we are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to get in touch with us to help progress our investigation.

"We appreciate this incident happened one month ago, but this would have been a busy evening and we are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time to contact us if they recall seeing anything which may aid our enquiries.

“The same goes for anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV images as we believe they may hold vital information.

“We would also like to appeal directly to the man pictured to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police quoting 23001309647 via the Cheshire Police website or call 101.

Information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.