Woman was attacked and dragged into alleyway

Detectives are hunting for a vicious robber who knocked a woman unconscious after dragged her into in an alleyway.

The victim was saved from further injury after her attacker was disturbed by two passersby who heard her cries for help.

The robber struck as the woman, who is in her 20s, was walking through the graveyard and alleyway next to St Mary’s Church in Neasden Lane, Neasden, on her way to work.

After a short struggle, her attacker dragged her into the alleyway and stamped after she lost consciousness.

He fled with her burgundy shoulder bag after two members of the public came to her rescue.

The victim needed hospital treatment for cuts, bruises to the head and concussion, and has since been discharged.

Detective Constable Dax Hollick, from Brent Police, said: “This occurred at the early part of the morning rush hour, and there may have been commuters walking the same route towards the station who may have seen or heard the victim in distress, or the suspect running away with the handbag.

“I am particularly keen to speak to market traders who would have been setting up theirs stands around this time at the bottom of Church Road at close proximity to the location.”

The suspect is black, in his twenties, of a stocky build, between 5ft 6in and 6ft and was wearing dark baggy clothing.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 020 8733 3224 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.