Police are investigating two attempted bank robberies in east London.

The first incident occurred on January 16 at around 4pm at a bank on Lea Bridge Road.

Police said a man entered the branch and passed a note to one of the tellers detailing threats should they not comply with his demands for cash.

The second incident happened a day later (January 17) at around 4pm when a man entered a bank on Amhurst Road.

He handed a note to a staff member, again detailing threats should they not comply. In both cases, staff members activated an alarm and the man left empty handed.

Police said he was also believed to leave both scenes on a red bicycle.

Officers have now released CCTV footage of a man they are keen to identify and speak to in connection with both incidents.

Detective Chief Inspector Ann-Marie Waller from the Met's flying squad said: "It's important that we identify this man, so I would ask the public to take a good look at the image and get in touch with any information you have.

"This would have undoubtedly been a frightening experience for the staff concerned and I want to praise them for their quick thinking in a stressful situation.

"In both of these circumstances, bank staff followed their training and prevented this man making off with any cash."

If you have any information contact the investigation team via p202578@met.police.uk or call 020 8345 4249.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.