A suspected jewel thief left his mobile phone - complete with 'selfie' - at the Kingston store where he is alleged to have stolen £18,000 worth of rings.

Police in Kingston are appealing for help to find Germain Ibrahim Fofana, a 27-year-old French national who is wanted for a series of offences across London, including shoplifting, robbery and burglary.

He is suspected of stealing two engagement rings and a wedding band worth a total of £18,000 from Ernest Jones in Clarence Street on Sunday, May 18.

But in his rush to escape the store, the suspect left behind a bag which included his mobile phone - with a self portrait for a screensaver.

The theft happened at about 1.45pm on Sunday. A man and a woman entered the store with a child in a buggy and asked a shop assistant about engagement rings.

The woman then pointed out two rings she liked and wanted to look at.

The couple then left the shop saying they were going to see jewellery at another store and would return later.

The man returned half an hour later and asked the same shop assistant to look at the two engagement rings as well as a wedding band.

He then ran out of the store - leaving his bag behind.

Germain Ibrahim Fofana

Detective Sergeant Damion Cummings from Kingston CID said: "In his hurry to run out of the shop, the suspect left his mobile phone on the table alongside his bag.

"While police were on scene the phone lit up having received a text message and a picture of the suspect was saved as the background.

"It was then the shop assistant who served him was able to identify the person in the picture.

"Having conducted further enquiries the suspect has been identified as Germain Ibrahim Fofana, a 27-year-old French national.

"We also know he is wanted for further offences including shop-lifting, robbery and burglary across some other London boroughs."

Mr Fofana is about 5ft 7in. He has a French accent, is of slim build and has short black hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue shirt, grey suit trousers and boating shoes.

His female colleague is of large build and was wearing all black clothing. She had long black hair.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Fofana or any other aspect of the investigation should contact DS Cummings at Kingston CID on 020 8721 5880.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.