MORE details have been released about a robbery on an 86-year-old woman yesterday morning.

The lone robber was masked when he broke into the woman's home in Kingshurst Road, Lee, at approximately 5.30am yesterday and ransacked the property before assaulting the pensioner.

The white man, wearing a balaclava, got away with what police estimate to be a "couple of hundred pounds".

A passer-by raised the alarm at 7am and the victim was taken to hospital suffering from shock, bruising and a cut to the face.

Police began conducting house to house enquiries immediately. Forensic officers searched the scene and are studying CCTV in the area.

Neighbour Peter Cordwell, 58, said: "She is a really lovely, gentle woman with a big smile, I see her in the street three or four times a week. This is a nice street and she is a big part of it. She always takes time to ask how you are."

The father of-two added: "This is a lovely road and nothing like this has happened before. It is a welcoming, quiet road. We have always looked out for each other but I think we will all be keeping an eye out a bit more now."

Neighbours had feared the attack was being investigated in connection with the on-going hunt for a serial rapist as part of Operation Minstead but this was ruled out.

Officers from Lewisham's Burglary Squad are investigating.

DC Steven Payne said: "The victim was subjected to unnecessary violence in a vicious and prolonged attack. She was unable to defend herself as her attacker must have known. Apart from her injuries, she has been traumatized by the assault.

"Kingshurst Road is a residential street leading to a busy main thoroughfare where people would pass to catch buses or walk to the station. If you were in the area between 5am and 6am did you see or hear anything suspicious? Were you looking out of the window and did you see anyone hanging around?"

Anyone with information about the October 23 incident should call DS Payne on 020 8284 8335 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.