Appeal to find jewellery handed over for 'blessing'

Leicestershire Police is investigating "a series of incidents"

A man who persuaded a woman to hand over gold jewellery in order for it to be "blessed" is being sought by police.

Leicestershire Police said the victim, in her 60s, initially met the man at her home in the New Parks area of Leicester on 5 June after he told her he could bless various items.

But three subsequent meetings with the suspect to have the valuables blessed resulted in none of the items being returned.

Police said the suspect used the name Veer and was described as Asian, about 5ft 10in (1.78m) tall, of a medium build, about 35 years old and with a large skin tag close to his eye.

The victim later met the suspect at Leicester railway station

The victim also met the suspect, officers said, outside Leicester railway station on 9 June, when a "significant quantity" of money was handed over.

On 15 June, the victim met the man in Victoria Park, where she handed over a box of jewellery, then met again in the park on 24 June, where more cash was handed over.

The force, which publicised the appeal on Monday, said efforts to establish the man's identity had been unsuccessful.

Det Con Tamsin Ball said: "I'm concerned this man may be targeting other people in Leicester and can persuade them to hand over jewellery and money.

"I'm appealing for anyone who believes they have come into contact with him or been approached by someone offering to do something similar, to come forward."

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