Robbed by a 'gentleman' mugger

The 25-year-old, who asked not to be named, had around £10 stolen from him as he walked home along Romford Road, Stratford, in the early hours of Sunday, August 13.

The robber "bounded up" to his victim with the greeting "alright Bruv'?" and is described as being "chirpy" and "amiable" as he initiated friendly small talk.

Changed demeanour

But events soon took a sinister turn as the unfortunate man prepared to turn off the main road towards his home.

He said: "We stopped walking and his demeanour changed. He squared up to me and started getting a little too close.

"He told me he was not a mugger and said: 'I do not want to mug you, I do not want to rob you. If I wanted to, I could have back there.'

"He then helpfully pointed out that he was bigger than me, and that in a fight between us he would clearly win. He then asked for a voluntary 'contribution' to his fund."

"I was a bit scared, but he was quite calm, and I felt like the situation was under control and I did not have to fear for my safety as long as I did what he said.

"He then asked me how much money I had. I think people walking around Romford Road at night may have a knife or a gun on them, regardless of whether they are striding up to people demanding money.

"So I took out my wallet and gave him a £5 note. He then took out about another £5 in change and wished me a safe journey and held up his fist for me to touch as a respectful parting gesture."

Mobile phone untouched

Unusually, the mannered mugger was not interested in his victim's personal audio equipment and mobile phone.

"I was not feeling very respectful so I declined to acknowledge the gesture, but he insisted, and since he already had all my money and had been strangely gentleman-like about the whole thing, I figured it was not really worth getting his hackles up.

"I have lived in Stratford for three years, and that was my only robbery experience so far. I count myself quite lucky really.

"I did not think it was worth telling the police, but my girlfriend talked me into it. Because I had a pretty clear account of him and his method of asking nicely, it might give them more of a picture of who is operating in the area."

He described the robber as a 5ft 10ins light-skinned black man, with stubble and fairly heavy eyebrows. His hair is braided, tied close to his scalp and long at the back. He spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information that could help police trace the man should call 8534 1212.