CCTV images show a man police are trying to trace in connection with the attempted rape of a woman who had become lost.

The victim, in her 30s, was travelling east on the Central line train when she asked a man for directions just after 8pm on December 18.

He agreed to help and the pair left the train at Redbridge station.

They walked along the A12 Eastern Avenue, towards Gants Hill, before turning into The Drive in Ilford.  

The man then grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into Cowley Road, where he attempted to rape her before running off.

He is described as Asian, wearing a light brown jacket, blue jeans, white trainers, a blue woolly hat and carrying a black holdall.

Detective constable Karen Sweeney, of Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "I would appeal to anyone who recognises this man, or who was in the area of Redbridge Underground Station, to contact police.

"He attacked a lone woman who had simply asked for directions."

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 020 8217 9874, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.