A woman in her 20s was left with multiple facial injuries after an unprovoked attack by a man who approached her for a cigarette in Peckham.
The victim, who has not been named, suffered a severe concussion along with fractures to her eye socket, cheekbone, nose and finger after being punched with such force that she was knocked to the ground on November 3, 2025 in Anstey Road.
Police believe the suspect may have followed the woman from Peckham Rye station before approaching her and asking for a cigarette.
When she told him she did not have one, he punched her in the face.
Passers-by rushed to help the woman and called emergency services. She was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
Detectives have carried out extensive enquiries, including house-to-house visits, witness interviews and CCTV reviews.
Officers also retraced the victim's route from the station as part of the investigation, but no arrests have been made.
Police are now appealing for the public's help to identify the suspect.
He is described as a Black man, around 5ft 8in tall, with a slim build and believed to be in his 30s or 40s.
At the time, he was wearing a green puffer jacket with white lettering on the back below the hood.
Detective Sergeant James Hughes, leading the investigation, said: “We understand that this unprovoked and violent attack will cause concern for the community. I’d like to reassure the capital that the Met is relentless in its pursuit to prosecute perpetrators and continuously strive to ensure women and girls feel safe when going about their daily lives.
“We continue to work hard to identify the person responsible and are asking the public to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency if they have any relevant information. No matter how small you think your information is, it may be the missing piece to our investigation.”
Those who wish to speak to the Met can do so via 101, quoting 6670/3NOV25. Anyone who requires anonymity can go through independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
