POLICE have appealed for witnesses following an attack at Chilworth which left a 58-year-old woman in need of stitches to a gash in her head.

She was walking to work at around 5.30am on Sunday, near to the rear of the Clock Service Station, when she heard footsteps behind her and was suddenly knocked down and pinned to the ground by her attacker.

After she had continually kicked at him, the man ran off, picking up a brick on the way.

A police spokesperson said: "There is no apparent motive for the attack. The attacker did not steal or attempt to steal the woman's property."

As well as a head injury, the woman suffered grazes to her knee.

The attacker is described as being dark-skinned, in his early 20s and wearing dark clothing. His victim is five feet two inches tall and was wearing a light blue jacket.

Police would like to hear from anyone, whether driving or walking, who saw the incident or who saw the woman or the man in the Winchester Road or Bassett Avenue area.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Gavin Jordan at Portswood Police Station on 0845 045 45 45.