WHAT was the motive behind the vicious attack on a 91-year-old Southampton widow as she lay helpless in bed? That's the question puzzling detectives as they try to track down the thug.

Extra police from across the city have been drafted in to help track down the intruder who left great-grandmother Ivy Fallon beaten black and blue in her sheltered flat.

Terrified Mrs Fallon suffered shock and extensive bruising across her face, hands and arms after waking to find a man leaning over her bed.

She described how she "screamed like the devil" as he punched her into unconsciousness.

Recalling the horrific attack from her hospital bed, Mrs Fallon said: "I want people to help catch him and I want to tell those who keep their doors open to be more careful, because this is what can happen.

"If he is caught I want him to be strung up for what he did to me. He is a coward."

Today police said it was not yet clear whether or not the man had been in the process of burgling Mrs Fallon's flat in Shirley, or what his motive may have been.

Det Insp Richard Pearson, leading the inquiry, codenamed Operation Ansell, said: "We are keeping all options open at the moment."

Shocked residents at Mrs Fallon's warden controlled flats are still shaken by the weekend's attack. One elderly woman, who declined to be named, said: "I was very upset to hear what happened and hope she gets well as soon as possible. It makes you feel unsafe and we came here to be safe."

Another female resident was too upset to comment but did say "we've all been crying".

Working in the nearby Children's Society charity shop, in Shirley High Street, Muriel Gould, 80, and Marjory Miller, 75, said: "Ivy's in the thoughts of everyone in Shirley. We both live around here. You can't trust anyone and it's frightening. We wish her a speedy recovery."

Mrs Fallon was taken to Southampton General Hospital after the brutal attack, which happened shortly before 2.30am on Sunday. She was due to be transferred to Moorgreen Hospital at West End yesterday but while her condition was described as comfortable, doctors decided she was not yet fit enough to travel.

The attacker was described as in his 40s, with a round face and stocky build. A possible link between the assault and a police car found vandalised in nearby Howard's Grove on Sunday has been ruled out.