POLICE are appealing for information after a pensioner was assaulted and robbed in the street near to her home.

Paramedics and police were called to Curzon Avenue, Stanmore, at 7.20pm on Saturday, November 7 and found a 71-year-old woman suffering from a serious head injury.

She was taken to a central London hospital where she remains in a critical but stable condition. Her family are aware.

It is believed that she was knocked to the ground by the suspect who then stole her handbag and left in a van.

He is described as a white man in his late 30s, about 5ft 8ins tall and was wearing a light grey tracksuit, black trainers and a brown woollen hat.

Detective Sergeant Gideon Mitchell, from Barnet's Major Crime Unit, said: "This was a particularly nasty and callous attack on an elderly woman.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any information that may assist our investigation to contact officers."

No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information or anyone who witnessed the assault is asked to call the unit on 020 8733 4125, via the police non-emergency line on 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.