Apple store assistant sought after hundreds of iPhone 5s are stolen

Police are looking for a man in connection with the theft of hundreds of Apple's newly-launched iPhone 5 smartphones.

The 252 stolen phones were due to go on sale for the first time today at the O2 store in the Tandem Centre in Wimbledon, south London, as the new iPhone was launched across the UK.

Officers want to speak to Usman Sethi, 23, of Audley Gardens, Ilford, east London, who works as an assistant at the store.

The phones were taken at 1.30am, with a quantity of cash which was also stolen from the shop's safe.

Mr Sethi is described as Asian, 6'1" tall and may be driving a grey Ford Mondeo.

Police also want to speak to Mr Sethi, a Pakistani national, in connection with the theft of jewellery belonging to a family member from his home address in Audley Gardens.

Anyone who has seen Mr Sethi or has information that would assist the investigation should call Merton CID on 020 8649 3062 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

PA