Police are hunting a man who grabbed an 11-year-old girl as she made her way to school in east London.

The schoolgirl had just stepped off a bus when she was grabbed from behind by the stranger.

She managed to break free when she bit the man on the wrist before she ran to school to raise the alarm.

The shocking incident took place on Tuesday at around 8.30am as she walked through the Bannister House Estate in Hackney after getting off a bus at Homerton Row.

Police said the girl had been left distressed by the incident and that patrols in the area had been stepped up in response to the attack.

An e-fit image was today released by detectives in Hackney in a bid to track down the man.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, from Hackney Borough CID, said: "A random and unprovoked attack against a young female in this manner is fortunately rare, but has left the victim clearly distressed.

"Thankfully, and despite her ordeal, the victim in this case has been able to provide a detailed description and compile an e-fit of her attacker.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows who this image may be of, to get in contact with us and tell us who he is and where to find him.

"You may have noticed an individual with a recent fresh scratch to his face or a possible bite mark on his hand. If you have, please contact us.

"Due to the time of the day, and the manner of this incident, there maybe witnesses who we have not yet spoken to, and who may have seen the attack or the suspect getting away. Please get in touch as your information may well help.

"As a result of this incident there have been increased high visibility patrols in the area."

Police described the suspect as a dark skinned black man, around 40, 6ft tall and of stocky build. He has a spiky greying beard and is believed to have a scratch on his left cheek.

Anyone who recognises the e-fit or any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact the investigation team at Hackney Borough CID via 101. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org