A MOTHER who was beaten up by a stranger at the entrance to her home says she is too frightened to return to her flat.

Verity La Roche was with her 11-month-old daughter when she was assaulted in the doorway at a block of flats in Elmers End Road, Beckenham.

The 29-year-old was attacked after she had opened the door to let herself in.

She said: “The next thing I knew I was on the floor. This man was pounding his fists into my head and on the sides of my face.

“I felt like it was never going to stop. I thought he was going to kill me right there in front of my daughter.

“She witnessed it all and since it happened she gets distressed whenever we return to the flat.

“I don't feel safe enough to stay there so I go back with friends or family to collect clothes.”

Mrs La Roche, who told police her attack may have been a case of mistaken identity, added: “People need to know this happened.

“It was a total shock. I wondered what on earth was happening. I was screaming ‘please stop’. It lasted about a minute but it felt like forever. I’ve no idea who he was.

“He was a total stranger, really violent and aggressive.

“Other women should be made aware of the fact that he is still out there and we need to be more vigilant.”

Admin assistant Mrs La Roche was taken to Beckenham Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Police confirmed they were called to the incident, which happened at around 4.45pm on July 18.

A spokesman, who said there was no record of any related incidents, described the suspect as a black male, 6ft 2in, aged 30-35.

He was wearing a blue sports top with two red stripes down the arms and a black baseball cap.

Anyone with any information should call Bromley police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.