This is the moment a man was attacked by a so-called “hugger mugger” for his £5,000 Rolex watch.

The victim had been out drinking when he was approached by a man who asked him for a cigarette and the pair got chatting.

Minutes later the suspect, who was acting out martial arts moves, placed his arm around the 24-year-old student’s throat and squeezed until he lost consciousness.

These images taken from CCTV footage shows the victim dropping to the ground, with his legs crumpling beneath him during the attack in central London at around 3:45am.

Shortly after the assault, in a doorway opposite the Strawberry Moon bar in Heddon Street just off Regent Street, the mugger made off with the victim’s £5,000 Rolex Submariner, which has a silver bracelet and black face.

Another image shows the victim with a man shortly before the attack in Heddon Street on May 10.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Michael Heaney, from the burglary and robbery at Charing Cross police station, said: “The suspect targeted his victim carefully, choosing someone who was a bit the worse for wear after a night out, alone and smartly dressed.

“The method he uses is not something we have seen before in this area and is a concern. Had the suspect applied more pressure the victim could have been far more seriously injured. As it was, he was just badly shaken.

“We are asking anyone with information to please come forward - do you recognise the suspect? Did you see him running from the area after the robbery?”

The suspect is described as of Arab appearance, possibly Algerian, and was wearing a dark baseball-type jacket, dark blue jeans and a black baseball cap. He was bald with stubble, 5ft 8ins and of muscular build.

Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 0207 321 7513 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.