A REWARD IS now being offered for information about an assault on an 82-year-old woman in the Lambeth area of London last month.
Catherine Smith was out on her mobility scooter on 27 July walking her dog when she first saw the suspect. She then left Palace Road Nature Gardens and returned to her home, where the suspect was sitting on a wall outside her property.
The woman approached Catherine and said “where’s Tracey?” before repeatedly asking for money. The victim said she did not know a Tracey and the woman then asked if she could use her toilet. Catherine said she could not and as she tried to close the door to her home, the suspect forced it open, causing the elderly woman to fall backwards and hit her head.
There was a struggle and the suspect punched the 82-year-old numerous times. She then wrapped the victim’s dog lead around her neck and started to strangle her with it before running off.
Catherine managed to call for help and witnesses rushed to her aid and called police. She was taken to a west London hospital with serious injuries but has since been discharged.
Today Crimestoppers announced that a reward of £5,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
The suspect is described as a black female, about 5ft 5ins, of slim build, with slick-backed black hair. She was wearing a khaki coloured coat with a zip, multi-coloured trainers and tights.
“This was a vicious unprovoked attack on an elderly vulnerable woman. The attack has left her very distressed,” said investigating officer DC Vicky Vincent.
We believe the suspect spotted Catherine in Palace Road Nature Gardens and for unknown reasons decided to follow her home, harass her and then brutally assault her.
“We are still appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to contact us as a matter of urgency so we can bring the person responsible for this heinous crime to justice,” she added.
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