Manhunt launched after woman ‘grabbed by hair and forced towards car’ in attempted abduction in east London

A woman was grabbed by the hair and forced towards a car during an attempted abduction in east London, police have revealed.

The 26-year-old victim was attacked three times over 11 days on the same road in East Ham, Scotland Yard said.

Officers are now hunting two men following a string of incidents.

"We do not know why these men have targeted the victim, but clearly [their] behaviour is of concern," Detective Constable Isha Javed, of Newham CID, said.

The first incident took place when the woman was walking along Eastbourne Road between 8pm and 8.30pm on March 3.

A man grabbed her by the arm before leaving in the direction of Brighton Road, detectives said.

A week later, at about 3.30am on March 10, the same man allegedly grabbed the woman around the throat before pushing her.

Four days later, at 10pm on March 14, a second man grabbed the woman by the hair and tried to force her into either a Volkswagen Polo or Golf. The first man was in the car at the time.

Both suspects are described by police as Asian men.

The first is aged about 30, 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build with a short beard. He was wearing a black hooded top.

The second is aged in his late 20s, 5ft 6ins tall, of large build with black hair. He was wearing a bomber jacket and glasses.

DC Javed added: "I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Eastbourne Road at the time of these offences and who may have information to assist our investigation."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 020 8217 5820 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.