Police have released an image of a man wanted in connection with the street murder of a woman in east London.

Mariana Popa, 24, was attacked and stabbed in the street in Ilford in the early hours of Tuesday last week. She staggered to a nearby chicken takeaway shop where she collapsed.

She was taken to an east London hospital where she died.

The Romanian national was believed to be working as a street prostitute in and around Ilford Lane at the time she was stabbed.

Detectives today released the CCTV images of a man seen close to Mariana at the time she was attacked at about 12.15am on October 29.

The CCTV images show the man buying goods at a local garage just 10 minutes before the attack and then cycling away from the scene immediately afterwards.

Police believe the man spent three to five minutes chatting to Ms Popa as they walked down the street before the assault.

DCI Stewart added: “At this moment we have no obvious motive for the attack.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sheila Stewart, who is leading the inquiry, said: "It is vital we track down this man who was in the precise area at the time Mariana was attacked and killed.

"I would urge anyone with information about this man, or any other aspect of the investigation, to get in touch with us as soon as possible. All calls will be treated with the utmost confidence. Alternatively, to remain anonymous, members of the public can also talk to Crimestoppers."

Police say the images were captured in the local area before and after the time of the attack.

One of the images shows the man on a bicycle.

The man is described as dark skinned, with a full beard, wearing a light baggy top with a satchel across his chest. He may have been wearing a hat or cap at the time of the offence.

A post-mortem examination found Ms Popa died due to shock and haemorrhage and stab wounds to the chest.

One man was arrested after the murder but he was later released with no further action.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3985 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.