The 24-year-old victim was walking home from a night out in London’s West End when the stranger asked him for a cigarette.
According to reports, the two of them began discussing martial arts and restraint moves, before the suspect actually started to strangle the victim.
When the victim lost consciousness, the robber took his £5,000 Rolex watch. It wasn’t until he came round that the student realised what had happened.
Detective Constable Michael Heaney, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “The suspect targeted his victim carefully, choosing someone who was a but worse for wear after a night out, alone and smartly dressed.
“The method he uses is not something we have seen before in this area and is a concern. Had the suspect applied more pressure the victim could have been far more seriously injured. As it was, he was just badly shaken.”
DC Heaney also appealed for witnesses, adding: “We are asking anyone with information to please come forward – do you recognise the suspect? Did you see him running from the area after the robbery?”
A description of the suspect has been released, with him being described as of Arab appearance, bald with stubble and of a muscular build.
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