Police were called to reports of the attempt at Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, on Monday (October 21) at 5.30pm.
A man reported that a liquid was thrown at him during the incident before the suspect fled.
The liquid was tested and deemed not to be a corrosive substance, the Metropolitan Police said.
A spokesperson said: “Police were called at approximately 17:30hrs on Monday, 21 October to reports of an attempted robbery in Lodge Avenue, Dagenham.
“A man reported that a liquid had been thrown at him during the incident before the suspect fled.
“The liquid was tested and deemed not to be a corrosive substance.
“No reports of any significant injuries.
“Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.”
