Woman Robbed Of Her Crutch And Handbag In Early Hours

Police are hunting a cowardly late-night bag-snatcher, who targeted a woman walking with the aid of a crutch in east London.

Detectives from Tower Hamlets Borough have issued this CCTV image of a man they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.



On Sunday, January 24 police were called at around 3.30am to a report of a robbery on Old Montague Street, Whitechapel. 



A man approached a woman in her thirties walking along the location with a crutch and asked her for directions to an off licence.

The suspect walked with her and when they both turned down a nearby alleyway, he pushed her to the ground, stole her crutch and handbag and ran off towards Valence Road.



CCTV footage captured the suspect walking into a petrol station on Whitechapel Road prior to talking to the victim.



The suspect is described as an Asian man with short black hair of medium build, 30-40 years old wearing light coloured trousers and a dark jacket. He wore pointed shoes.



Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man or who witnessed the incident.



Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 204959 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.