The Met Police has released CCTV footage of a man they would like to trace in connection with a violent assault on a woman in Uxbridge .

The footage shows the victim, Philippa May, walking down the street with her rucksack.

The suspect can then be seen following her just seconds after in the CCTV.

The 43-year-old was attacked as she turned into an alleyway from St Johns Road.

A male suspect ran up behind her, pushed her to the floor and violently assaulted her.

She has been left with severe facial injuries after the attack which happened on Monday October 31 at 7.30pm.

Philippa May was attacked as she was out walking on October, 31

The suspect stole her rucksack and fled along St John's Road past the General Elliott pub. He is described as male and was wearing a hoody and gloves.

The suspect fled along St John's Road

Detective Constable Reda Imane is urging people to come forward: "I would like to appeal to members of the public that may have been travelling home from work or who live and work in the general area to come forward with any information that could assist this investigation."

She added: "Philippa has taken the brave step of releasing an image which shows the extent of her injuries and highlight the excessive violence used by her attacker.

"Philippa was lucky she did not suffer more serious injuries but it goes without saying that her ordeal was extremely traumatic and she has yet to return to work.

"We know that St John's Road would have been busy at that time of night. Rockingham Park has numerous dog walkers and the route number 3 bus uses St John's Road. Somebody may have seen something which could prove an invaluable piece of information to catch the person responsible."

Anyone with any information that could assist the enquiry should either call DC Reda Imane or DS Andy Dawson at Hillingdon CID on 07500 102 621 or 020 8246 1552.

The police can also be contacted via the non-emergency line, 101.

Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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