A WOMAN was punched in the face by a robber who stole her phone as she walked to meet her husband. The 33-year-old was mugged as she walked along Washington Close in Bromley-by-Bow at 11pm on Thursday night. Her attacker, who was riding a bicycle, circled

A WOMAN was punched in the face by a robber who stole her phone as she walked to meet her husband.

The 33-year-old was mugged as she walked along Washington Close in Bromley-by-Bow at 11pm on Thursday night.

Her attacker, who was riding a bicycle, circled her several times, demanding money before getting off his bike and punching her in the face several times.

When the woman fell to the floor the robber stole her phone and cycled off towards St Leonard's Street, leaving her with severe facial bruising and cuts to her mouth which needed hospital treatment.

The mugger is described as a black man, around 5ft 7ins tall, aged 20-22, with short hair and was wearing a blue jacket and blue t-shirt and riding a black pedal cycle.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact PC Paul De Kretser in the robbery squad on 020 8217 3838 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.