AN AGGRESSIVE beggar who has pestered passers-by for four years should be hit with an Asbo, a commuter claims.

The man, who is in his 30s, targets rush-hour travellers and shoppers in Woolwich town centre, threatening them with violence if they do not pay up.

Now one man who has made a flood of complaints about the beggar is demanding something is done.

City worker Ralph Lawson says the beggar is a familiar sight to those who are in Woolwich regularly.

He also says the pest can often be seen on rush-hour trains, asking for money and making threats to scared commuters.

If someone refuses to pay up Mr Lawson says the beggar turns aggressive and threatens them with violence.

He said: "This guy has been around for about four years on and off and he is a very intimidating character.

"He runs around the streets screaming and shouting at people and makes threats at them if they do not give him money."

Mr Lawson, 32, now wants to see an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) slapped on the beggar.

He added: "An Asbo is an ideal solution because they were designed with this sort of thing in mind.

"It will keep him away from the area."

The beggar is around 30 years old and of slim build.

He has brown hair and is around 5ft 7in tall.

Mr Lawson says he has written around 20 letters to police and the council's community safety branch since 2001, alerting them to the beggar.

A spokesman for Greenwich Council said: "We work closely with the police where there are complaints of anti-social behaviour and will work with them in deciding on any appropriate action to take."

Police say anyone with complaints about anti-social behaviour in Woolwich should call them on 07951 347084.

Do you know the Woolwich beggar? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885790.