Pregnant woman punched in face at London Bridge Station

Investigators have also released CCTV footage of a man they want to identify and talk to in connection with the incident, which took place around 12.40pm on Friday 17 September.

The victim, a 39-year-old woman from South Croydon, who is six months pregnant, was walking along the platform when she became involved in an altercation with a man who then punched her in the face.

"This was a particularly nasty and violent attack on a pregnant woman, particularly as the CCTV footage shows her holding her stomach prior to the attack," says PC Clive Thomas.

"She was taken to hospital following the assault and both she and her unborn child were checked out by maternity staff.

"Fortunately the woman's baby was unharmed, although the mother was left very shaken and distressed by what took place."

The man police want to talk to was accompanied by a blonde woman and was last seen boarding a Charing Cross-bound service from platform 6.

PC Thomas added: "This attack took place in broad daylight at a time when the station was very busy with passengers. I urge anyone who saw what happened, or who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV footage to come forward and contact us."

If you recognise the man, contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 and quote reference B5/LSA of 12/12/10

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.