A pocket watch presented by former US president Woodrow Wilson has been stolen from an antiques dealer.

The 14-carat gold timepiece was taken from the dealer in Pierrepont Arcade, Islington, north London, at around 12.30pm on Saturday by a man who pretended he wanted to buy a vase.

His payment was declined and, as the sales assistant returned the vase to its display, he opened a cabinet and took the watch, which is worth up to £20,000.

On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police released pictures of the watch and appealed to the thief to return it.

Pc Joshua Brown, from Central North Basic Command Unit, said: “The owners of this watch are very distressed.

“The item had been in their family for a long time and I would urge the person who stole it to return it as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting CAD 1857/15Dec. or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.