Worried parents are calling for action at an underpass just metres away from a primary school, after a vicious attack on a 63-year-old woman.

Residents of Carlyon Road, Hayes, and parents of pupils at Yeading Infant and Junior School are concerned about the number of attacks happening in the A312 underpass.

Their calls for safety measures were sparked following the violent robbery of Valerie Dancer last Tuesday who remained in a critical condition with head injuries at the time of going to press.

It is believed Ms Dancer, who lives nearby, was walking home from a friend's house when she was robbed in the underpass at about 2.45pm.

She was taken to Charing Cross Hospital by air ambulance.

Lisa Cookson, 39, a parent of children who attend the school, said: "It is not the first time someone has been attacked there.

"I am moving out of this area because it's so bad. I think my kids will stand a better chance."

Janice Fisher, 48, a life-long resident of the road, said: "It's so dangerous because you can't be seen under there."

Aa Diriiye, 37, a parent of three children at the school, said: "A schoolgirl got attacked with a knife in the underpass last year.

"I never walk under there and I would never let my children, either."

Yeading councillor Sid Garg said Hillingdon Council is negotiating with Transport for London (TfL) about installing CCTV in the area and railings between the shrubs and the pathway. He added that TfL has agreed to cut back all the shrubbery.

Ms Dancer's attacker is described as a black teenager wearing dark clothing and, following the attack, he ran through the underpass towards Yeading Lane.

Her beige leather handbag and her black Radley purse were stolen.

DI Mark Brookes, who is leading the investigation, said: "Valerie Dancer remains critically ill and her long-term prognosis is unclear.

"Her family are devastated. Valerie is a local woman and has lived in the area all her life. She has a peaceful and friendly personality.

"This was a cowardly attack on an innocent woman.

"I am still seeking and appealing for witnesses.

"I would urge the person responsible for this attack, who may not have foreseen such injuries were likely, to come forward."

There is a £5,000 reward for information leading to arrest and prosecution of the person responsible.

* Anyone with information should call 020 8246 1445 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.