OFFICERS in Hillingdon are appealing for information after a woman was attacked in a violent robbery leaving her with severe injuries to her face.

Philippa May, 43, was attacked as she walked along St John's Road, Uxbridge, on Monday, October 31 at 7:30pm.

Philippa was walking from Uxbridge town centre when she turned into an alley on St John's Road that leads to Culvert Lane.

The male suspect ran up behind her, pushed her to the floor before attacking her and stealing her rucksack.

The suspect ran back along St John's Road past the General Elliott pub.

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

Some of Philippa's belongings were later recovered in nearby Rockingham Park but her bag and phones remain missing.

The missing items are described as a black rucksack and two iPhone 5S phones - one with a transparent apple green cover and then other with a black Griffin Survivor rubber case.

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 highlight 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 you have any information that could assist this enquiry please either call DC Reda Imane or DS Andy Dawson at Hillingdon CID on 07500 102 621 or 020 8246 1552 - you can also call police via the non-emergency line. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.