Police today released CCTV images of a smartly dressed City worker suspected of breaking a man’s jaw in an "unprovoked and vicious" attack.
The 32-year-old victim has been left with metal plates in his jaw after being knocked to the ground and beaten and kicked.
Police say they are shocked at the scale of the violence involved after both men had earlier been enjoying drinks with colleagues after work.
The victim and the alleged perpetrator were both socialising separately with work colleagues in the Corney and Barrow bar in Fenchurch Avenue.
As the victim left at around 11pm he was befriended by a man who placed his arm over his shoulder.
The pair, who did not know each other, then walked along Lime Street across Leadenhall Street toward the junction with St Mary’s Axe where the victim was assaulted.
Eye witnesses described the attack as "savage" with repeated punches to the head followed by a volley of kicks to the body once the victim had fallen to the ground.
Police say the victim had tried to push him away but otherwise the assault on Wednesday August 6 was unprovoked.
The suspect ran from the scene along Leadenhall Street and into Lime Street returning to the Corney and Barrow bar.
The victims jaw was broken in two places and surgeons have placed a metal plate and pins into his jaw to help with his recovery.
The suspect is described as male, stocky build, approximately 35 years old, of middle eastern appearance, 5ft 11inches tall, unshaven with short dark cropped hair.
He was also wearing a pale striped shirt, suit trousers and a wedding ring.
Det Con Geoff Holbrook, investigating officer said “This was an unprovoked and vicious attack that left the victim with serious injuries.
“The suspect met with friends or work colleagues outside the Corney and Barrow before and after the assault and I would urge anyone who recognises themselves in the footage to contact us to help identify this man. "
Anyone with information should call 0207 601 2222 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
