A London plumber was attacked after turning down a stranger who opened his passenger door and demanded an early morning lift.
The 48-year-old had been sitting outside a customer’s home in Findon Gardens, Rainham, at 2am, when he was approached by the man.
After the plumber explained he was not a cab driver, the man became aggressive, police say.
Fearing for his safety, the victim ran into his customer’s house only to be followed and punched in the face several times.
The attacked then ran off, smashing two car windows on his way, and headed towards Wennington Road, police say.
Following the incident, which happened on May 1, detectives want to trace the man shown in these CCTV images.
The man is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, and of slim build.
He was wearing a blue baseball cap, with a light grey or dark hooded top underneath, black gloves, dark trousers and dark-coloured trainers. He also carried a black man bag over his shoulder.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Raheel Sarwar from Havering Police on 01708 779 155 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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