A woman has been hospitalised after being repeatedly punched in the head by a man trying to rob her.

Police in Havering are now warning residents to be vigilant following the daylight attack in Harold Wood yesterday.

The 23-year-old victim was thumped “several times on the back of her head”, detectives said, by the would-be mugger she walked though Pages Wood at around 3.50pm.

She taken by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to an east London hospital, where she remains.

Her injuries are not thought to be life-changing.

Nothing was stolen and the man ran off after being disturbed by two members of the public.

The assault is not thought to be of a sexual nature, police said.

Det Sgt Niall McSheffrey, from Havering CID, said: “We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen an altercation or the suspect in Pages Wood.

“We would also advise people to be vigilant when in the area.”

The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 25 and 28 years old, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, of athletic build, and with short, shaven, dark hair.

He was wearing dark clothing at the time of the attack.

Anyone with information about this incident should call police on 101 or Crimetstoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

If you are the victim and would like to talk to the Recorder about your ordeal, call Jane Ball on 020 8477 3878 or email jane.ball@archant.co.uk