British police are appealing for information and witnesses after an 82-year-old woman was assaulted in an unprovoked attack.

Catherine Smith was out in her mobility scooter walking her dog in nature gardens in Lambeth, south London on July 27th when she first saw the suspect.

Ms Smith then left the gardens and headed home to see the suspect sitting on a wall outside her property.

The suspect, a woman, approached Ms Smith and repeatedly asked 'Where's Tracey?' and also asked for money.

Ms Smith said she did not know a Tracey and shut the door.

The female suspect then asked Ms Smith if she could use her toilet.

When she said no the suspect became aggressive and pushed open the front door, causing Ms Smith to fall backwards and hit her head.

There was a struggle before the suspect grabbed the victim's dog lead and started to strangle her.

The suspect then made off in an unknown direction.

Ms Smith called for help and witnesses called the police.

She was taken to a west London hospital with serious injuries. She has since been discharged.

The suspect is described as a black female, about 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build, with slick backed black hair.

She was wearing a khaki coloured coat with a zip, multi-coloured trainers and tights.

Investigating officer Vicky Vincent said: "This was a vicious unprovoked attack on an elderly vulnerable woman’s own front door.

"The attack has left her very distressed."