A HAUL of stolen jewellery has been seized from a shop in Bolton town centre.

The jewellery was seized by police after they were given a tip-off that it was suspected to be stolen and had been sold to the shop, which police would not name.

They said the shop's boss paid £1,150 for the haul but was unaware that it was stolen.

A 46-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of theft after he tried to sell a gold watch, which has not yet been found, to a pawnbrokers in Bolton town centre, and he is also suspected of selling the goods to the unnamed shop.

However, police, who seized the jewellery on September 30 last week, say they cannot match the items to any theft or burglary currently being investigated in Bolton, and are now trying to trace the haul's owners.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, from Bolton North neighbourhood policing team, said: “Our investigation is still at an early stage.

“We have checked crimes that involve jewellery going missing and cannot find one that corresponds to these items.

"I would urge anyone who recognises them to give us a call straight away.”

Police say the theft or burglary must have taken place before October 1.

They are also urging jewellers to ensure they conduct rigid checks when purchasing new stock.

Det Insp Cadden added that jewellers need to verify both the identity of the person selling goods and that the items are legally theirs to sell.

Anyone who recognises any of the jewellery can call police on 0161 8565761.