AN ELDERLY woman was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood in her own home after being brutally beaten about the head by a robber.

Police were called at 1.20pm on Thursday February 7th by a member of the public to the woman's home in Beverley Way, New Malden, off Coombe Lane West.

On arrival officers found an 84-year-old woman, lying unconscious in the blood. The victim was taken by ambulance to a west London hospital where she has regained consciousness and remains in a stable condition.

Police believe at this stage that a male suspect knocked on the victim's door, and told her he was working down the road.

When the victim opened the door the suspect forcibly entered the house beyond the victim, closing the door behind him. He then demanded money.

The victim offered the suspect the sitting room chair and stated she would get money. At this point she attempted to press a panic button.

But the suspect proceeded to punch the victim repeatedly about the head, fracturing both her cheek bones, nose and jaw, leaving her unconscious.

The suspect then stole the victim's black handbag containing £14, a bus pass, a bank pass book and library card. Neither the handbag nor its contents have been recovered.

A man matching the suspect's description was seen by witnesses walking down Beverley Way North towards Coombe Lane West immediately after the incident. It is not known where he went after that.

The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair swept back and thinning, with gel in it. He is approximately 5ft 7ins tall, 25 years old, with an average build and wearing an unusual blue denim jacket with four pockets (two breast pockets and two at the bottom).

The suspect had a walkman or mobile phone device hooked over his left ear and some form of dark bag over his shoulder.

DC Ron Harvey of Kingston Burglary Squad said: "This was a horrendous attack on a vulnerable member of the public in her own home."

Anyone who may have any information on the whereabouts of this man is asked to contact Kingston CID on 020 8247 5131. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.