Police are appealing for witnesses after a man snatched a necklace from a heavily pregnant woman.

The 33-year-old woman was walking along Chadwell Heath Lane on Tuesday of last week at about 2.30pm when she was approached by a black male who looked about 17-years-old.

The youth, who was about 5ft 7in wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans, pulled the necklace until it snapped before running off towards Barley Lane.

The incident occurred about 50 meters from Redbridge College, Little Heath.

The chain, taken from the eight months pregnant woman, is a rope style with yellow metal pendant with three metal strings at the bottom.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information on the whereabouts of the chain should call Det Con Paul Fuller on 020 345 2653, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.