Police are hunting a man who launched an assault on a London paramedic who was battling to save a girl who had collapsed in the street struggling to breathe.

The male paramedic was treating the girl who had collapsed on Harlesden Road on 9 October at 6.20pm with breathing difficulties.

While the paramedic was carrying out his duties, a man began to verbally abuse him.

The man then “squared up” to the paramedic and placed his finger on his nose. police said.

The paramedic activated his panic alarm and the man ran

Police said the paramedic was not injured in the incident but are investigating an allegation of common assault.

Officers have released an image of the man they want to trace.

He is described as aged in his late 30s, 6ft two inches tall and wearing glasses.

Police Constable Amanda Scott said: “This was an unpleasant incident in which a paramedic was verbally abused while he was trying to treat a young girl.

“Such behaviour against emergency service staff, who are only trying to help others, is totally unacceptable.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101. Quote CAD 6265/09OCT.