A brave jeweller convinced three thieves to hand back gold chains by chasing them to New Malden station.

David Sutcliffe, owner of Adorn Jewellers in the High Street, New Malden, noticed two chains were missing and followed a hunch and ran to the station, where the thieves were waiting for a Waterloo train.

He ran through the subway, on to the London-bound platform and challenged the thieves.

When he got his mobile phone out to photograph the men, they returned two chains worth £450.

Mr Sutcliffe said: "When I discovered the chains were gone I searched shops in the High Street for them the suspects and then ran up to the station.

"When I found them I was shouting at them but I kept my distance. There were three of them and I didn't know if they had a knife. I got some video footage of them before they got on the train, but not of their faces."

Mr Sutcliffe then reported the incident to Kingston police.

He told them how earlier in the day on Monday, March 5, two men had entered the shop at about 2pm while one stood outside. They expressed an interest in four gold chains and the shop assistant showed them the jewellery.

Mr Sutcliffe said they had their suspicions about the men when they said they would go and get extra money from the bank.

He said: "We are always very careful and have things locked away, but these guys were very good."

The shop assistant said: "I don't know how they did it, it must have been a slight of the hand but it was very quick."

Mr Sutcliffe said the assistant noticed the pieces were missing, which gave him time to hunt for the thieves.

"It is very rare for this to happen in New Malden but I want to make other traders aware," Mr Sutcliffe said.

"Business is hard enough at the moment without being struck by thieves."

Kingston police are still looking for three men who are described as between 20 and 25, 5ft 9in, and of Asian or Turkish descent.

Anyone with information should contact police on 020 8721 2750.