A vicious and unprovoked attack left a woman with a broken hip yesterday after she was punched in the stomach by a hooded mugger.

The 40-year-old had an operation in hospital yesterday after the serious assault by a hooded attacker aged between 18 and 20 years-old in Oakleigh Way, Mitcham, in broad daylight.

The woman was found slumped on the pavement at about 12.30pm having been punched in her stomach.

The blow had caused her to fall, sustaining serious injury to her hip and a possible broken finger.

The mugger also took her bag.

She was taken by ambulance to hospital where she remains in a non-life threatening condition today.

Police said it was an unprovoked attack and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The attacker is described as a black man of slim build, five foot ten inches, wearing a dark coloured hoodie, with the hood up.

Police were called to reports of a robbery.

No arrests have been made.

The attack happened in Oakleigh Way, Mitcham, near Streatham

Detective Sergeant Karolia said: "This was a very vicious attack that has left the victim needing an operation.

"I would encourage anyone who saw what happened or who has information about the incident to call police."

Anyone with information should contact Merton police on 020 8649 3154/4044 and ask for Det Sgt Karolia or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.