Detectives are investigating two separate serious assaults against women and have issued footage and images of a man they wish to identify and speak with.

The first incident took place on Saturday, 11 April, at around 06:00hrs. A 51-year-old woman was on her way to work aboard a Route 149 bus in the Edmonton Green area when she was approached from behind and punched in the side of the head. Following the attack the suspect got off the bus.

The victim did not suffer lasting injuries but was understandably shaken by the incident and is now feeling anxious when using public transport.

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 her.

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. Audio of this call (in video format) is available via the link below.

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.

Detective Constable Alister Kim, from North East CID, said: “I am particularly keen to speak with the two men who kindly walked for a time with the victim when she was being followed by the suspect. They may, unknowingly have information that could assist my investigation and I urge them to get in touch.”

At this stage there have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.

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

DC Kim, added: “Having studied the evidence from both incidents I believe that both victims were attacked by the same suspect.

“There is nothing to suggest any motive or reason for the victims being targeted. Both women were simply going about their daily business.

“The random nature of both assaults makes it imperative that the man in the images is identified without delay. If you know who he is please contact police immediately.”

Anyone who might have information that could assist police is asked to call 101 reference CAD 6121/17 Apr, Tweet @MetCC or remain 100% anonymous by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .