Pickpocket picks mind

London's Metropolitan Police have released footage of a man seemingly hypnotising a shopkeeper and then stealing hundreds of pounds out of the motionless man's pocket.

Aftab Haider , 56, who runs Hops 'n Pops wine merchants, in Highgate, said he was left "stunned" by the theft, which took place at 9.45pm on September 11.

The video shows an Eastern European man entering the shop and gently tapping Haider on the arm. A few seconds later, the man raises his right fist and shakes it at Haider, apparently leaving him mesmerised.

He then reaches into Haider's pocket and pulls out hundreds of pounds in cash before quickly walking out.

Haider snapped out of the trance a few seconds later, but the thief successfully fled the shop.