A man was fatally stabbed while trying to stop two muggers who had stolen a woman's bag, police said today.

A man was fatally stabbed while trying to stop two muggers who had stolen a woman's bag, police said today.

Sukhwinder Singh pursued two men who robbed a 28-year-old woman near Barking station in east London yesterday evening.

When he caught up with the pair a fight broke out and the 31-year-old was stabbed.

Mr Singh chased the robbers along Victoria Road into Uphall Road before he was attacked just before 7pm.

He was taken to the Royal London hospital but later died. A post mortem will take place today.

Detective Inspector John Sandlin said: "This is a tragic death of a man who was killed for attempting to stop others committing crime, and our thoughts are with Sukhwinder's family. However, I would also to reassure the wider community that tragic events such as these are very rare.

"I am appealing for anyone that knows who committed this crime, or who has any information about those who committed this crime, to do the right thing and come forward and contact police.

"My officers are also keen to hear from anybody who witnessed the initial robbery, the actual altercation that led to the stabbing and additionally anyone who may have seen any persons matching the suspect's description fleeing the Uphall Road area.

"It is also possible that the suspects may have abandoned the bag stolen and I appeal to anyone who may find a brown leather shoulder bag, to contact police. It may be that it has significant clues that could help solve this awful crime."

The two robbers were both black men in their 20s or 30s and 5ft 7in to 6ft.