Police have released this e-fit in the hope somebody can identify a “cowardly” home-invader who slashed an 83 year-old woman with a knife and tied her up before searching the home for valuables.
The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the late-night break-in at her address in Sprowston Road, Forest Gate, East London on August 20.
When she disturbed the intruder he punched her in the face, threw her to the floor and demanded to know where she kept her valuable items.
When she refused to tell him he slashed her in the face and arms with a penknife.
He then forced a cloth into her mouth so violently to silence her – a tooth was chipped - and tied her hands and went on to search the property.
After stealing the victim’s white mobile phone he fled the scene, leaving the victim bound.
Her cries alerted a relative also staying at the address and emergency services were called.
The victim was treated for a dislocated arm; puncture wounds from the knife; a bruised and swollen face and the chipped tooth.
Inquiries continue to establish whether any further items aside from the phone were stolen.
The suspect is described as a dark-skinned black man, approx 5'4"-5'6" tall, with big dark eyes, small features and a full beard.
He was wearing dark clothing and a distinctive woolly hat with coloured stripes.
“This was a cowardly and vicious assault on a defenceless elderly woman in her own home for what would appear to be a theft of minimal value,” said Detective Inspector Andrew Furphy of Newham CID.
“The victim is understandably very shaken up by her ordeal and is anxious that police find the person responsible.”
“Do you recognise the person in the e-fit? Were you in the area at the time of the incident? Did you see anything suspicious? I would urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they think it might be, to contact police as a matter of urgency on 020 7275 5009. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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