Detectives investigating a serious assault in east London have released an image of a man they wish to identify. 

In addition, officers are keen to speak to witnesses, in particular two men the victim approached, who walked with her for a time.

At around 18:15hrs on Friday, 17 April, a 37-year-old NHS doctor making her way home from work was waiting to take a Docklands Light Railway train from Shadwell DLR Station when she became aware of a man she did not know on the platform who appeared to be following her.

The victim boarded the train, as did the suspect. The victim was so concerned about his actions that she got off the train at Canning Town before quickly re-boarding in a bid to lose the man, but noticed he had mirrored her actions.

When she got off the train at Royal Victoria DLR Station, the suspect was still following. As a result, the victim asked two men she did not know to walk with her because she feared she was being followed. The suspect still followed.

The men walked with her part of the way before their journeys took them in different directions. The victim by that time had decided to call police but as she walked along Butchers Road, E16, and while she was still on the phone, the suspect approached her from behind and pushed her to the ground.

The victim was taken to hospital with cuts, bruising and injuries to her mouth, which included a broken tooth.

The suspect is believed to have left the scene, returning in the direction of Royal Victoria DLR Station.

Officers retain an open mind as to the motive for this attack.

There is nothing to suggest the victim was targeted specifically because she was a member of NHS staff and none of her property was taken.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue, led by the North East Command CID.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged around 20. At the time of the attack he was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey hooded top under a dark jacket and a dark cap.