A watch dealer who was put in a chokehold during an alleged violent robbery that went viral on social media has died, police have confirmed.
The incident happened at about 2.50pm on Saturday (May 25) at a business in Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey. Two men, who were not armed, entered the shop. They allegedly assaulted a member of staff before stealing a quantity of high value watches.
A Met Police spokesperson had confirmed the member of staff was not seriously injured. However, the force confirmed in an updated statement that the man has sadly passed away.
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(Image: Met Police)
A Met Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of a man in Surrey on Sunday, 26 May. This is being investigated by officers from Surrey Police and is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
“The man who died was the victim of a robbery at a jewellers in Richmond on Saturday, 25 May.
“We ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this difficult time and moving CCTV footage of the incident involving the victim is not shared on social media.”
It comes after CCTV of two men who police want to speak to was released.
And in a clip circulating online, the struggle between the alleged thieves and the worker is captured.
(Image: london_watch_co/Instagram)
The worker is seen tending to a watch as the two other men sit across a table from him. The man with sunglasses on his head then launches at the worker, restraining his arms.
He puts the man in a headlock as the other man appears to busy himself taking items from around the shop.
The man who appears to have the worker in the headlock appears to talk to his apparent victim, as the second alleged assailant stuffs things into a bag on his friend’s back.
The man with sunglasses continues to talk to the worker before the second man takes out zip ties and the video cuts off.
The Met added: “Anyone who recognises these two men or has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD4555/25May.
“You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.