Police have launched a man hunt after a man was robbed of a Rolex watch and fishing equipment in Bonhill, near the River Leven, on Friday evening.

The 48-year-old man was fishing off a pathway near the river at around 10.30pm when he was approached by two men on bikes.

The duo engaged the man in conversation before pushing the fisherman into the water and making off with a bag containing various equipment and a watch, which police say had “great sentimental value” to the victim.

The man was not injured and managed to get home, where he called police.

Detective Constable David McKee, from Clydebank CID, said on Saturday: “The man had been doing a spot of night fishing in the area, something he does regularly there.

“The two suspects came up to him – from the Alexandria side of the path – and started chatting but as he stood up to carry on fishing, one of the men pushed him into the water before the two of them made off with his belongings.

“The Rolex watch is an old style which he has had for over 20 years and wears all the time.

“It is of great sentimental value to him and he is devastated by its loss.

“Whilst there were not many people in the area where the robbery happened, other than one other fisherman who we have already spoken to, it’s possible that the suspects, who made off after the robbery towards Dumbarton, cycled on to Main Street in Alexandria.”

The two men involved are described as white, in their late 20s and wearing dark clothing. They were both wearing baseball caps, one of which was dark coloured and the other lighter, possibly with a Burberry-style pattern.

DC McKee added“If you recognise the description, or have any information that will assist our enquiry, then please contact police.

“We would also ask second hand jewellers to contact us if they are offered the watch and ask the same of anyone who may be offered it in any other way.”

Anyone with information can be passed to Clydebank CID on 101 quoting reference number 4276/21/07, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.