Police are hunting for a man who punched a woman to the ground and stole her belongings on Sunday, July 5.

The 22-year-old Surbiton resident was walking home from Surbiton station, via Victoria Road and Balaclava Road when she became aware of someone following her.

When she turned around in Effingham Road, she saw the man directly behind her, with the lower half of his face hidden by a scarf.

He pushed her into an empty, dark driveway and punched her several times in the face before telling her to empty her bag and hand over her cash.

During the assault, which occurred between 11.05pm and 11.10pm, the victim dropped her mobile phone and purse, both of which the attacker fled with.

Detective Constable Davinia Fielding, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was obviously a very frightening and upsetting experience for the victim.

“She has been cynically targeted in a calculated attack by a suspect who was prepared to assault and threaten her to get what he wanted.

“This kind of appalling behaviour cannot, and will not, be tolerated by Surrey Police and I can assure Elmbridge residents that everything possible is being done to bring this man to justice.

Officers are carrying out door-to-door inquiries and reviewing CCTV, after the Surrey Police helicopter failed to locate the suspect.

The attacker was about 6ft, slim, with a southern accent. He was wearing a black winter coat with the hood up, black gloves, trousers and trainers.

D Con Fielding said: “I am particularly keen to speak to a blonde woman in her early 20s who was seen in Effingham Road several minutes after the robbery as she could prove to be a vital witness.”

Witnessed should call D Con Fielding on 0845 1252222, quoting reference EL/09/5480, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

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