CCTV images have been released of a vicious mugging of a pregnant teenager at Palmers Green train station.

The woman was walking up the stairs when the man approached her from behind, grabbed her and pulled her down a flight of stairs before making off with her bag.

The bag contained personal items including jewellery, a mobile phone and £5 in change.

The attack took place just before 8pm on April 16 after the six-month pregnant 18-year-old had alighted from a train.

Detective Constable Jon Howlett, investigating officer, said: "The woman was making her way out of the station when she became aware of a man running up the stairs from behind.

“As she got to the top of the stairs, the man grabbed her round the throat and upper body before pulling her down six or seven steps and onto the floor.”

Det Con Howlett said the man then ripped her handbag off from her shoulder and ran off out of the station, leaving his victim in a state of shock.

“To attack a young, pregnant woman for nothing more than £5 and a mobile phone is despicable,” he added.

“We’re making enquiries as to the identity of the suspect and strongly urge anyone who thinks they can help to call us.”

The suspect is described as a white man, possibly Eastern European, around 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in tall and in his early 20s.

He had very short brown or blond hair and was wearing a white and grey hooded top, blue jeans and black trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number B01/031066/2010.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.