I was stood outside the shop, eating my steaming chips and gravy in the cold when a man and his companion came towards me. He wasn’t particularly tall, nor handsome, he seemed to be of middle eastern extraction, dressed in blue jeans, sweater and a medium length brown leather coat.

He tried to catch my eye, I wondered if he were lost or perhaps needed the time, but he simply extended a hand out towards me. Nestled in his palm was a thick golden chain and a heavy gold ring. Perhaps he thought I had lost them?

“How much?” he said, with an urgent tone, his friend continuing past me towards the bus station.

I have neither the taste for, nor need of bling, but being British and eating my national dish I had to be civil.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have any cash I’m afraid.”

He snatched back his hand without another word, and circled round me. Following on his companion’s path.