This is the moment a robber pulled a Rastafarian wig from his trousers to use as a disguise before punching a woman to the ground and stealing her handbag.

Police have released CCTV footage of the incident in an attempt to trace the man who left the 40-year-old woman with a broken arm and afraid to leave her home alone.

The victim was attacked from behind while she was outside the front door of an address in Northumberland Road, Walthamstow, on July 4, in broad daylight.

Footage shows the robber taking a red, yellow and green beanie hat with dreadlocks attached out of his trousers moments before he pounced on the woman.

He moved towards her and pulled her handbag violently from its shoulder strap, punching the woman in the hand as she attempted to grasp onto it.

As the bag came free she fell backwards and broke her arm.

Money, a Samsung mobile phone, Oyster card, personal items and bank cards were all contained inside the bag.

The suspect is described as black, aged 30 to 40 years old, with a bald head and goatee beard. He is of slim build and was wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, Nike trainers and sunglasses.

In a statement the victim said: “I have been in constant pain since it happened and I don't yet know if my arm will ever completely heal. It scares me that this man is still out there possibly doing this to other people.

“He probably picked on me because I was an easy target. I pray that he will be caught and brought to justice for what he has done and that this won't happen to anyone else."

Anyone who has information can call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.