A “horrendous” attack sparked an emergency appeal after a woman allegedly punched a shopper in the face and grabbed her headscarf in front of the victim’s children.

The Metropolitan Police said that on November 18, 2023, the woman assaulted the victim outside a shop on Stoke Newington High Street in London, causing injuries to the victim’s face and was suspected of a hate crime.

The victim, aged in her 40s, was attacked shortly after leaving the shop with her three children and claimed the woman made an aggressive gesture towards her.

Detective Inspector Harriet Ford, who led the investigation, said: “This was a horrific incident for the victim, which was made worse when her young children witnessed it.

“I ask the public to take a closer look at this photo and consider whether it contains any information about her identity.”

Anyone who recognizes the person in the image is asked to call 101 quoting CRIS 4632311/23. You can also share information anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.