Police have released an image of a man they are hunting over a “sickening” racist attack when a woman’s hijab was torn from her face on a busy London street.
The Goldsmiths University student was walking with a friend when the two men grabbed her from behind before one ripped off the veil.
Scotland Yard have today released an e-fit of a man believed to be involved the incident in Tottenham High Road at 7.30pm on September 28.
The 21-year-old British-born woman, who the Standard has agreed not to name, described how the pair flanked her on either side as she waited to cross the busy road outside the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (Chenel).
She said: “I started feeling trapped and knew something was wrong so I asked him ‘what’s going on?’ and he started pointing at my hijab.
“The other guy, who I couldn’t see, came from behind and grabbed it shouting in broken English ‘you look more beautiful without it’.
“I was so shocked and distressed that it took me a while to realise it was happening. I couldn’t believe someone would attack me like that. He didn’t physically harm me but I didn’t feel safe at all.”
Following the attack, the pair fled towards Pelham Road.
The first suspect – featured in the image – is said to be aged in his late 20s or early 30s, with blond or ginger shaved hair and stubble.
He was described as being 5ft 6is tall and wearing a burgundy hooded top.
At the time of the attack he was carrying a Tesco bag in his right hand.
The second man is believed to be aged in his late 20s or early 30s and clean shaven with spiky hair.
He was described as wearing a grey hooded top.
Detective Constable Ben Cousin of Haringey Community Safety Unit said: “This was a shocking attack in broad daylight in the middle of a busy street.
“Racially and religiously motivated crimes will not be tolerated I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this attack to contact police.”