Police in Southwark are appealing for witnesses and information following a violent aggravated burglary in Bermondsey on St Valentine’s Day.

The incident happened at about 2.30pm on Saturday 14 February at an address in Cranswick Road, South Bermondsey.

The victim, a 63-year-old woman was home alone, speaking on the telephone to her sister, when there was a knock on the door.

She asked who it was and a man outside said he had crashed into her car. On hearing this news she opened her front door to inspect her car.

When she had opened the door,  the victim was confronted by two men.

The victim attempted to close her door but two men barged their way in to her house and closed the front door. Once inside they were shouting at the victim “Where is your safe?”

The victim – who lives on her own – informed the men that she did not own a safe. One of the suspects then picked up a bronze statue and hit the victim twice on the head.

They then attempted to drag her upstairs. She managed to escape their grip but was hit again with the statue.

The men then searched the house and stole two purses from her handbag before making off.

Police were called to the scene by the victim’s sister who heard the entire incident while on the telephone line. Neighbours who heard a disturbance also called 999.

On arrival,  police officers found the victim with a cut to her head, a cut to her left eye, and bruising to her left shin.

The London Ambulance Service was called and the victim was taken to a south London hospital, were she was treated and later discharged.

Suspect 1 is described as a black male, of slim build, aged 18 to 22 years, and was wearing a dark hooded top.

Suspect 2 is described as a black male, aged 18 to 22 years, and was wearing a dark hooded top.

Detectives from Southwark CID are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything or anyone acting suspiciously in the area to contact them.

Detective Constable Carri Blackman, from Southwark CID, said: “The victim in this case is an extremely vulnerable lady. This has understandably left her extremely shaken up and we’re determined to try and identify who is responsible.

“I’d urge anyone who might have seen or heard anything unusual or suspicious in the area to get in touch with us, however insignificant you think the information may be – it could help us to solve this case.”

Anyone with information should contact Southwark CID on 020 7232 6142, the police non-emergency 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 3004593/15.

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