A young woman had her mobile phone stolen in Dagenham yesterday after fighting off a stranger who sexually assaulted her when she ignored him.

The 18-year-old victim’s attacker reportedly made off with her mobile phone during the assault near Pondfield Park.

The suspect, described as a black man in his late teens or early 20s, was struck on the mouth, cutting his lip on the right-hand side.

Officers said the woman was walking home at about 1.30pm when the man unsuccessfully tried to strike up a conversation on the footbridge between Reede Road and Blackbourne Road.

Undeterred, he walked behind her over the bridge before sexually assaulting her.

The man, allegedly of slim build with curly short brown hair and yellow, crooked teeth, reportedly wore a black jacket, grey hoodie and dark trousers at the time of the attack.

He may also have a cut or bruising to his face.

With enquiries ongoing and no arrests made, police ask anyone with information to contact 101 quoting CAD 3730/6Sept.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.