Police are hunting a thug who punched an elderly woman in the face at a shop in Plumstead.

The 78-year-old victim was in Plum Local Express in Plumstead High Street and was leaning around a man to get the paper she wanted when she was attacked.

The woman was taken to hospital and treated for bruising.

She is still affected by the assault on April 20 as she is now afraid to go out by herself.

A suspect was caught on CCTV and police in Greenwich have released an image to help identify him.

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He is described as black, aged between 40 and 50 years old, with a shaved head.

He was wearing a black leather coat and dark jeans.

Detective Constable Mark Day, the officer in the case, said: "This attack has left the victim in shock and in fear of going out in public by herself.

“She no longer uses the store in fear that she will meet the suspect again.

"I am appealing for anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image to contact us and assist our investigation."

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information, can contact Det Con Day at Greenwich CID via 101, or via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.