A STUDENT has been left badly shaken after she was mugged at knife point by a thug who jumped out of a parked taxi.

Gemma Thornton said she no longer feels safe when walking alone in Wanstead at night after the terrifying attack in Hermon Hill on Friday evening.

The 23-year-old was walking along the street towards South Woodford at about 10.40pm when the man leapt from a green estate car parked in Falcon Way and ran up behind her shouting that he had a weapon.

Ms Thornton, of Wellington Road, said she 'froze in terror' after seeing what she thought was a knife in his hand - and threw her handbag at him in self defence.

The man, who is described as being of Mediterranean appearance with short, dark hair and speaking broken English, then jumped back into the car which was driven off towards South Woodford by an accomplice.

Ms Thornton said: "I just couldn't believe what had happened. I was totally shaken.

"I was just on my way out to meet a friend and this man comes running up behind me.

"I just threw the bag at him to get him away from me because I was worried about what was going to happen.

"I had seen a car with a taxi badge on it driving really slowly along the road, and I thought it was a bit suspicious.

"When I walked past Falcon Way I saw the car parked there and then this man came running up behind me almost immediately."

Ms Thornton - who lost her bank cards, an Oyster Card and £20 in cash during the incident - has warned other women to be on their guard when walking alone after dark.

She said: "I never thought anything like this could happen to me in Wanstead.

"I feel quite wary when walking alone at night now, when I wasn't before.

"People definitely need to be aware when they are out in the evening."

Her attacker is thought to have been of average height and aged about 30. He was wearing a red shirt at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information should call DC Bethan Spencer 8345 2681.