Woman injured in violent Halloween alleyway robbery

A woman has suffered severe facial injuries in a violent robbery.

Philippa May, 43, was set upon as she walked along St John's Road in Uxbridge, west London, at 7.30pm on Halloween, leaving her face bloodied and bruised.

Scotland Yard said she was walking from Uxbridge town centre when she turned into an alleyway leading from St John's Road to Culvert Lane, and a man ran up behind her and pushed her to the ground before attacking her and stealing her rucksack.

He then ran back along St John's Road past the General Elliott pub.

Suffering from significant cuts and bruising to her face, Ms May made her way to her partner's house and police were called.

Officers said some of Ms May's belongings were later recovered in nearby Rockingham Park but her bag and phones are still missing.

The suspect is described as a male who was wearing a hooded top and gloves.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Reda Imane, of Hillingdon CID, said: "Philippa has taken the brave step of releasing an image which shows the extent of her injuries and highlights the excessive violence used by her attacker.

"Philippa was lucky she did not suffer more serious injuries but it goes without saying that her ordeal was extremely traumatic and she has yet to return to work.

"I would like to appeal to members of the public that may have been travelling home from work or who live and work in the general area to come forward with any information that could assist this investigation.

"We know that St John's Road would have been busy at that time of night. Rockingham Park has numerous dog walkers and the route number 3 bus uses St John's Road. Somebody may have seen something which could prove an invaluable piece of information to catch the person responsible."

If people have information that could assist, police ask them to call DC Reda Imane or DS Andy Dawson at Hillingdon CID on 07500 102 621 or 020 8246 1552.

People can also also call police via the non-emergency line or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.