WALTHAM FOREST: Young women mugged (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAM FOREST: Young women mugged

4:03pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News By Daniel Binns

POLICE are appealing for information after two young women were mugged in separate incidents on Tuesday (February 21).

A 19-year-old was robbed of her handbag at knifepoint at the junction of Lea Bridge Road and Markhouse Road in Walthamstow at just after midnight.

And then at 10.20pm a 22-year-old had her mobile phone snatched from her hand outside Leytonstone Tube station.

Police are not linking the two crimes.

In the first case, the woman had just got off a bus and was walking home past the Gala Bingo venue when a man came up behind her.

He grabbed a belt on her jacket and then punched her in mouth when she tried to struggle free.

The suspect then pulled out a knife and took her bag before running off towards Church Road in Leyton.

Police described him as a light skinned black male, possibly of mixed race, of a slim build and about 5ft 7ins.

He was wearing a black hoodie with grey stripes, dark blue jeans and trainers. He also is said to have had a "London" accent.

The woman suffered minor injuries in the attack - a swollen lip and grazed knee. Her bag contained her keys and mobile phone.

In the second incident, the woman had just got off a Tube train and was walking in High Road, Leytonstone, near the junction with Michael Road.

She was talking on her phone when it was suddenly grabbed from her hand by someone behind her.

She then saw two men run off down Harrington Road.

They did not say anything and no weapon was seen.

They are described as two black men of slim build.

One was about five foot seven wearing dark clothing, the other was five foot eight wearing brown clothes.

A Met spokeswoman said: "The victim was taken on a drive around by police immediately after the offence but the suspects were not traced. The victim was not injured.

"In this instance, the victim did not have a tracker application uploaded on to her mobile.

"We would like to encourage owners of smart phones to upload these readily available applications as these can assist police in locating stolen mobile phones.

"We would urge people to always remain aware of their surroundings whilst they are using mobile devices such as phones or wearing headphones."

Detective constable Andy McAlister is leading both investigations.

He said: "If anyone has information about these two incidents, then please do contact us on 020 3276 0946.

"These offences cause[d] the victims a great deal of distress. We want to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

"If you do find yourself a victim of a similar crime, then contact us immediately so we can ensure a prompt response.

"If you have any information about crime and you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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