An Austrian tourist was punched in the face after she 'politely rejected the advances' of a passerby as she left a tube station.

The 60-year-old woman, who does not wish to be named, was approached by the man outside of Warwick Avenue station, in north west London, at around 8pm on Friday, March 10.

Metropolitan Police Officers said the victim 'politely' rejected his attempts to 'chat her up' but the man followed her as she walked along Formosa Street, near Paddington.

The 60-year-old Austrian woman, who does not wish to be named, was approached by a man outside of Warwick Avenue station at around 8pm on Friday, March 10

She rejected his advances but he punched her in the face, leaving her needing surgery for her injuries

He then grabbed her from behind and repeatedly struck her in the face, leaving her needing surgery on her injuries.

She was taken to a London hospital after a passer-by found her.

Police have released the image as part of their appeal for information.

Her attacker is described as a white man, aged around 25 to 27, around 5ft 8in tall, with short brown hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing light-coloured trousers, a brown jacket and a black baseball cap.

Detective Constable Mike Reilly, the investigating officer from Westminster CID, said: 'This was a vicious, unprovoked attack that has left the victim very shaken. Her injuries are so severe that she requires surgery.

'Warwick Avenue is a busy area, especially at 8pm on a Friday evening. Someone must have seen something and I'd appeal for anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible so we can bring the perpetrator to justice.'

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Westminster CID via 020 7321 8260 or @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.