This footage shows the moment a 46-year-old plumber was assaulted after he was approached by a man, who had asked him for a lift.

A plumber was sitting in his car outside a customer’s house at an address in Findon Gardens, Rainham, at 2am when he was approached by a man who opened the passenger side door and demanded a lift on May 1.

The victim replied he was a not a taxi driver and refused to take the man in his car but the suspect became aggressive.

Fearing for his safety, the plumber left his car to go inside the customer’s home but the suspect pursued him and forced his foot in the door preventing it from being shut.

The suspect then assaulted the plumber by striking him a number of times in the face before running off. As he passed the car, he smashed two windows before making off in the direction of Wennington Road, Rainham.

Havering Police are appealing for help to identify a man in an investigation into an assault and criminal damage.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 8in tall and of slim build.

He was wearing a blue baseball cap, light grey/dark coloured hooded top underneath, black gloves, dark coloured trousers and dark coloured trainers. He was also seen to be carrying a black bag over his shoulder.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Raheel Sarwar from Havering Police on 01708 779155 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.