Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they wish to identify in connection with the robbery of a taxi driver in Coulsdon.

The incident, which occurred at around 10pm on Tuesday, June 13, outside 147a St Andrews Road, in Coulsdon, saw the 36-year-old Station Cars cab driver pick up a passenger from Purley to go to Woodcote Park Gold Club, in Meadow Hill West, Purley.

En route, the passenger asked the driver to stop at the St Andrews Road address to pick someone else up. As they arrived outside the property the passenger reached forward and brought his arm around the neck of the driver and place a small airgun pistol to his neck and demanded money.

The resulting struggle saw the cab driver punched several times but the victim eventually managed to grab the gun from the suspect and vacate the car.

The suspect ran off down an alley towards Chipstead Valley Road and Woodmansterne rail station.

Officers recovered the airgun from the scene. The victim was left suffering from shock but did not receive hospital treatment.

DC Maria Acworth of Croydon Robbery Squad said: "It is vital we identify this suspect. The victim was left extremely shaken from his ordeal and events could have been far worse. We know that this man boarded a train at Woodmansterne rail station at 9.26pm, shortly before the robbery, and got off at nearby Purley station at 9.36pm.

"He then headed to Station Cars. After the robbery, it is possible he took the same route back. He wore a dark blue baseball cap with a fairly distinctive logo, New York in white writing on the front. I appeal for anyone with information or saw or heard anything suspicious, however significant, to come forward and contact police."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the South Norwood Robbery Squad on 020 8649 1217 or Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.