Melbourne Embona Taskforce detectives have released images of a man they wish to speak to following a robbery in the CBD earlier this month.

A woman was walking to work east along Red Cape Lane on 7 January when she was approached by an unknown man just before 5.55am.

The man walked alongside her then reached across to grab a bag she was carrying.

A struggle ensued and the man was able to remove her wallet and take a quantity of cash from it, before handing it back and leaving the area.

The woman wasn’t physically injured during the incident.

Investigators have released images of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the incident.

He is described as being of African appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build, black curly hair with brown highlights and stubble on his top lip.

At the time he was wearing a green, black and white checked shirt, black jeans and runners.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who has information about the identity of the man or his current whereabouts.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.