A tourist was beaten in what police are describing as a “brutal attack” in Westminster .

Officers have released a graphic image showing the injuries sustained by the 60-year-old woman, who will require surgery following the attack on March 10.

She was repeatedly punched in the face by a man as she left Warwick Avenue Tube station near Little Venice, at around 8pm.

Police are now appealing for information, and have called the assault “vicious and unprovoked”.

The victim, who has asked not to be named, was approached by the man, in his late 20s, who started talking and flirting with her.

The tourist, from Austria, politely rejected his advances and started walking along Warwick Avenue in the direction of Formosa Street, W9.

But the man followed the victim, grabbed her from behind and seriously assaulted her by repeatedly punching her in the face.

She was left with substantial facial injuries which police say amount to grievous bodily harm.

The victim was found a short time later by a passer-by who called emergency services.

She was taken to a central London hospital for treatment and has since been discharged, but will require further surgery.

Police say the suspect is a white man, aged around 25 to 27 years, about 5ft 8ins tall with short brown hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing light coloured trousers, a brown jacket and a black baseball cap.

Detectives have carried out enquiries in the area and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

'Her injuries are so severe that she requires surgery'

Investigating officer Detective Constable Mike Reilly, from Westminster CID , said: “This was a vicious unprovoked attack that has left the victim very shaken. Her injuries are so severe that she requires surgery.

“Warwick Avenue is a busy area, especially at 8pm on a Friday evening.

“Someone must have seen something and I’d appeal for anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible so we can bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Warwick Avenue station is on the Bakerloo line between Paddington and Maida Vale.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Westminster CID via 020 7321 8260 or @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online .

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