This picture shows a still from CCTV taken in McDonalds on the day the assault occurred. Pic: Met Police.

The Metropolitan Police have released CCTV images that may help them trace a woman who is being investigated for committing a racially aggravated assault in Tower Hamlets.

The CCTV images, released on 25 October, show a potential suspect entering McDonald’s on Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, where they approached three women who she later attacked.

The assault happened earlier this month on 3 October, however the CCTV stills have only just been released.

The three woman, all 18 and Asian, have reported that after they were approached by the women she then began to make racially offensive comments.

The women then left McDonalds, and were were followed by the suspect to the junction of the Roman Road and Victoria Park Square.

The suspect continued to verbally abuse them before spitting at one of the victims. It is reported that she also grabbed one of the other woman by her neck and headscarf, and hit her on the back multiple times.

The women managed to leave the scene and went to report it straight away to Bethnal Green Police Station.

It is hoped that by releasing the images this may aid the Tower Hamlets Police investigation so they can trace the woman in them who they want to speak to in relation to the case.

No arrests have been made or suspects have been identified since the crime first occurred.

Detective Constable Anton Arulnayagam, of the Central East Command, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victims, especially as it appears to have been a racially motivated attack.

“Unfortunately, we have not yet identified the attacker and we hope that releasing this image will result in someone coming forward with a name. We are also keen to hear from witnesses who saw the incident, and from a man who attempted to intervene and stop the assault.”

Tower Hamlets Police are asking for anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward by contacting the police on 101, or calling Central East Command on 07500 975395.