Police are appealing for a "heroic" witness to come forward after he stepped in to protect a group of women being harassed in northwest London.

Officers were called to Camden High Street at 8am on 14 January following reports a man had attempted to rob and sexually assault a group of women.

It was only when reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation that the unidentified man's "heroic" role was revealed.

Sergeant Max Pennington, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "This man saw three women being subjected to attention from an intoxicated man that was clearly unwanted.

"He could have kept on walking, but instead he repeatedly placed himself between the women and the man, putting his safety on the line to do so.

"He didn't just stop to help, he stayed until he knew the women were safe. He should be proud of his actions.

"We want to thank him for his heroic actions but also believe he is a key witness who has important information which could assist with our investigation.

"If he sees this, I'd urge him to come forward. If anyone else sees this and knows his identity, please get in touch with us or encourage him to do so."

Described as white, with a short brown beard, the man is of average build and wore a light cream jacket, a green rucksack, dark trousers and brown shoes. He was also wearing a distinctive red beanie hat with a yellow logo.

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He stepped in to help just outside Miniso, a shop at the junction of Camden High Street and Inverness Street.

Police are also appealing for anyone else who was in or near Camden High Street around the time of the incident and saw anything suspicious to come forward.