Two men pushed a heavily pregnant woman to the ground and robbed her of her handbag in a frightening attack in Barking.

The 25-year-old woman, who is due to give birth in less than a month, was in Wakering Road on August 16 when the assault and theft happened.

No one has been arrested and police are looking for witnesses.

The victim had been on her way to work at 5.10am when she walked past the two suspects who were sitting on a bench.

They got up, grabbed her and forced her to her knees before taking her handbag and running off towards Northern Relief Road.

The woman, of Ilford, was left with bruising and grazes to her arms and knees. Her unborn baby was unharmed.

The suspects are Asian, aged between 20 and 23, of medium build and around 5ft 7ins tall.

CCTV film shows them approaching other members of the public before the robbery. Police would like to hear from these people and anyone else with information about the men’s identities.

Officers are also keen to trace the victim’s black and white handbag that may have been dumped in a public place.

Detective Constable Phil Stokes, of Barking and Dagenham CID said: “This is a particularly nasty robbery with the suspects using unnecessary violence on a pregnant young woman.

“No harm came to the victim’s unborn child during this incident, but that does not mean that the victim has not been terribly affected.

“It is important that we identify and locate these individuals as soon as possible. If you know something please don’t hesitate, make the call and leave the rest to us.”

Anyone who has information should call the Barking and Dagenham Police burglary and robbery squad on 020 3217 1045 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and quote reference number 5114191/12.