Police are hunting a tattooed man after an aspiring model and her cousin suffered severe burns in an east London acid attack.

Resham Khan and her cousin Jameel Muhktar had a corrosive substance flung through their car window when the pair stopped at traffic lights in Tollgate Road, Newham.

Ms Khan, who was celebrating her 21st birthday at the time, had to undergo a skin graft and her body was covered in burns.

Her 37-year-old cousin was put into an induced coma by hospital staff and suffered “life-changing injuries” following the attack, which took place at around 9.15am on June 21.

On Thursday, police released a photo of 24-year-old John Tomlin, who they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Mr Tomlin, who is known to frequent Canning Town, is described as white, around 6ft tall, with a stocky build and short fair hair.

Police have warned he should not be approached.

Detective Superintendent Neil Matthews, said: "I would like to reassure the public that our continued focus remains on finding the person responsible for this horrendous act of violence.

"We will continue to progress these enquiries as quickly as humanly possible and fully understand concerns that they should be brought to justice quickly."

Nearly £28,000 has been raised for Ms Khan and her cousin on an online fundraising page since the attack.

Speaking about her ordeal, Ms Khan said: “The pain was excruciating, I was struggling to close the window.

“My cousin struggled to get us away. I saw my clothes burn in front of me. He put his foot down as we were coming onto a dual carriage way but the pain took over and we crashed.

“We stripped off in the middle of the road, running around screaming and begging for water.”

“I'm devastated,” she added. “I keep wondering if my life will ever be the same.

"Acid attacks in the UK are unheard of for me.”

Anyone with detail of John Tomlin's whereabouts is asked to call police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or tweet @MetCC.