A tattooed thug punched a man and smashed a bottle over his head in an early morning attack after being refused a cigarette.

Police said the 27-year-old needed stitches after being assaulted outside a bar in High Street, Croydon at about 2am on April 2.

Officers have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

He is described as black and in his 30s, about 5 ft 7 ins tall with a tattoo across the top of his chest featuring the letters E and D.

Detective Constable Eric Somerville, who is investigating the case, said: “This was a violent assault in the town centre and there would have been quite a few people about who may have seen something or who knows the suspect.

“The tattoo described on his chest is likely to be quite memorable, so I would urge anyone with information to contact us.”

Anyone with information or who recognises the man can contact Croydon CID on 020 8649 0258, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.