A POSTMAN had mail stolen from his trolley by a thief who challenged him face to face.

The incident occurred in Harrow Road, Leytonstone, last Thursday morning as the postman walked back along the road to pick up his trolley, which was chained to a railing.

From nearby he spotted a man breaking open his post bag and taking out mail. He asked him what he was doing and the thief threatened him, before making off along Harrow Road and turning right into Woodhouse Road.

The victim called the police who found no trace of the thief. They are looking for a black man, about 5ft 10ins tall, wearing a black knee length jacket, black jeans and a light brown baseball cap. Anyone with information should call 8529 8666.