A lone woman was left seriously injured when a thief grabbed her from behind and snatched her phone in a “cowardly” robbery.

The woman, who is in her 20s, told police that she boarded a bus in Walthamstow Market on the evening of December 23 last year.

She had noticed a man staring at her through the bus shelter, and after also getting on the bus, he tried to strike up conversation with her during the journey.

The woman did not respond, and after she left the bus at Ravenside Retail Park at around 11.30pm, the man followed her.

As she walked towards a bridge that crosses the dual carriageway by the retail park, the man put his arm around her shoulders and snatched her phone from her hand.

The suspect fled, leaving the woman with a “serious” leg injury.

Police have now released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to as part of their investigation.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: CCTV image of Edmonton phone snatch suspectCCTV image of Edmonton phone snatch suspect (Image: Metropolitan Police)

Detective Constable Charlotte Joseph, who is leading the investigation, said: “Not only did the woman need hospital treatment following this incident but robbery is a horrible crime that can leave a lasting impact on victims.

“We have been working hard to identify this man, but to no avail, so we are releasing his image to the public in the hope that someone recognises him.

“This was a cowardly act, targeting a lone woman as she walked home. Please help us identify the person responsible so he can be held to account for his actions.”

Anyone who recognises the man in these pictures or has any information that could assist officers is asked to contact police on 101 or ‘X’ via @MetCC, quoting CAD 7526/23Dec23.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.