CCTV image of suspect. Pic: Met police.

Police have released CCTV images of a teenager who attacked a schoolboy with a hammer last year  in a new appeal for witnesses.

The incident took place at the Poplar park bus stop on East India Dock Road in Tower Hamlets at around 4:10 pm on October 4 last year.

The suspect attacked a 16-year-old schoolboy, approaching him from behind and hitting him several times on the head with a claw hammer.

The victim nearly lost consciousness, but escaped from the assailant by jumping into a nearby bus.

The suspect attempted to pursue him on the bus, but was blocked by the bus driver and some passengers on the bus.

PC Jon Privett from Tower Hamlets police said: “This is a horrific attack on a schoolboy who suffered from severe blood loss as a result. The quick action of the passengers and bus driver has prevented a further attack and they were able to contact emergency services promptly.”

The suspect then fled the scene of the incident on foot, running towards Burdett Road with his weapon.

The suspect was described by witnesses as a black teenage male with short black hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a top, black shoes and a black rucksack with grey edging.

The victim was rushed to an east London hospital where he was treated for injuries he sustained. He received five stitches for the lacerations on the back.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident was not an attempted robbery, but declined to comment whether it was gang-related and why the suspect has selected this particular victim.

The Met request anyone who knows the identity of the suspect or has information that can lead to the capture of the suspect to contact them on 0800 555 111 using the ref CAD5427/04Oct17.