A WOMAN’S head was repeatedly smashed against the pavement during an attack just minutes from her Hampshire home.
The 44-year-old had been out for the night with friends when her attacker pounced.
Officers are now warning women in the town to be extra-vigilant and to keep to well-lit roads when walking alone at night.
The attack happened when the woman was walking down an alleyway at around 11.45pm, after a taxi dropped her off outside Tesco Express in Shamblehurst Lane South.
As she headed home along the alleyway between Shamblehurst Lane and Elliott Rise, a man grabbed her from behind, pushed her to the ground and hit her head against the ground at least five times.
The thug then fled the scene of the attack on Friday when a vehicle pulled into Elliott Rose, shining its headlights into the alleyway.
The woman, who was left with cuts and bruising to her head and body, waited with the motorist until police arrived at the scene. She was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “He has stolen my security and my smile. I no longer feel safe where I should feel safe.”
The attacker is 6ft, in his mid-20s, with shaved or very short dark, receding hair. He was wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with any information should contact DC Ryrie at Eastleigh CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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