A woman was punched and kicked when two men tried to snatch her iPad mini tablet as she walked down the street.
It happened in Lakehouse Road in Aldersbrook at 1pm on Sunday.
The 21-year-old woman said the two men approached her and one of them tried to grab the device.
She refused to let go but dropped it during the struggle and it smashed on the ground.
The man then punched and kicked her before running off with his friend.
A Met spokesman said the attacker is described as a black male, approximately 27 years old, 5ft 8ins, wearing a white t-shirt and blue three quarter jeans with short afro hair.
His friend is described as a black male approx 27 years old, 5ft 5ins, wearing a black t-shirt and dark jeans with short afro hair.
The woman suffered swelling to the face but did not need hospital treatment.
The spokesman added: “Anyone with information or witnesses are asked to contact DC Chris Chistoforou at Ilford Robbery Squad on 020 8345 2680 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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