London 'pusher': Police launch manhunt after victim shoved into oncoming traffic on busy road

Detectives release CCTV and a still image after victim left 'horrified' by near-miss

A manhunt has been launched after a pedestrian was pushed into oncoming traffic in central London.

CCTV footage shows a black car screeching to a halt and barely missing the “horrified” victim after he is shoved from behind.

The attack took place in New Bridge Street at about 8am on Monday, 23 July, City of London Police said.

Detectives released this image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack (City of London Police)

The victim was walking north on the pavement on the eastern side of the road when he was pushed.

Police said he had “brushed shoulders and exchanged words” with the person thought to have attacked him.

In an appeal released on Tuesday, the force said: “We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident in July or who may know the man in the photograph.

“The quick-thinking actions of the taxi driver undoubtedly prevented this incident having much more severe consequences for the victim. However he is still naturally shocked and horrified by what happened to him.”

Members of the public helped the victim, who suffered grazes to his hands and was briefly dazed, and confronted the attacker, the force added.

Detectives also released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the shove.

Anyone with information should call City of London Police on 020 7601 2999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It come some months after police were forced to abandon their hunt for the so-called “Putney Bridge pusher” who attacked a woman while running past her in southwest London.

In that case a bus driver’s quick reflexes were praised for saving the life of the victim.