Harrow Police are appealing for information after an elderly woman was violently attacked in her own home.

At 6pm on Saturday the woman, who is in her 80s, was alone in her home in Cuckoo Hill, Pinner.

She answered the door to a man and two children who claimed their pet rabbit had escaped into her garden.

A second man then appeared and forced his way into the house.

The victim was pushed to the floor and dragged around the house before being thrown onto the kitchen floor.

The suspect searched the house and stole her handbag before leaving.

The victim has been left extremely shaken and with extensive injuries to her head and body which have required hospital treatment.

The children involved are described as being Asian, eight to ten-years-old and about 4ft 10ins.

They are thought to be of stocky build with round faces and were wearing dark jackets.

The man accompanying them is described as Asian and 18 to 20-years-old.

He was 5ft 7ins tall, thin and was wearing a dark coloured woolly hat, a heavy knit sweater and dark trousers.

The male assailant has been described as Asian, in his mid 20s, 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a woolly hat, light coloured scarf, a bomber jacket and cotton jogging trousers.

Police are also keen to speak with two men who bear similar descriptions and were canvassing the area on the day before claiming to be from Macmillan Nursing.

Detective Constable Paul Matthews said: “This offence has caused a great deal of distress for the victim and I would urge anyone with information to come forward and assist police.

“I understand that there were passing motorists at the time and there may have even been pedestrian who may have seen something.

“I would also urge local residents to be vigilant and look out for a black Tula handbag that may have been discarded in the area. If you have any information no matter how insignificant, then please contact us."

Anyone with any information should call DC Matthews on 0208 246 1445.

If you do not wish to speak to the police then call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To date two men in their 20s have been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.