A man allegedly grabbed a ten-year-old girl by the arm as she walked to school in Leyton.

Police have released an e-fit image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the "suspicious behaviour" in Flempton Road.

The Met said it is alleged that on Friday, November 18 and Monday, November 21, a man similar in appearance to the person in the image approached the same ten-year-old girl as she walked to school.

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On one occasion he is alleged to have spoken to her and on the second occasion he is alleged to have spoken to her and grabbed her by the arm.

Det Con Jaime Thorn said the force's initial enquiries "suggest the girl was likely not approached at random and that the man may know her or those close to her".

She added: "I know that any incidents where children are alleged to have been approached in the street will be a cause for concern in the community.

"We have no information to suggest that there is a wider risk to children in the area, although we would always encourage parents or guardians to ensure adequate and appropriate safety measures are in place when children are travelling to and from school or are out on their own.”

The man is described as white, in his 40s, around 5ft 9in tall with a medium stocky build, a bald head and a bushy black beard.

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He is said to have a distinctive large black flower tattoo covering the whole of the front of his neck and another tattoo, made up of black lines, covering his left hand.

Police said, at the time of the first incident, he is said to have been wearing a dark blue/black beanie hat and a dark blue zip-up hoodie with a hole in.

During the second incident, he is described as wearing a light grey or white zip-up hoodie with short sleeves.

On both occasions he was wearing grey jogging bottoms and black boots and he was carrying a black backpack with many pockets.

Det Con Thorn said: “While the girl who was approached in these incidents was not physically hurt, she was understandably shaken and scared by what is alleged to have happened. She continues to struggle with the impact of the experience.

“Certain aspects of the description, in particular the large neck tattoo, are distinctive and I’m confident anyone who knows the person depicted in the image will recognise them. I would urge them to come forward.

Anyone who thinks they knows the person shown in the e-fit image is urged to call 101, giving the reference 4924383/22.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.