An 85-year-old woman with dementia was taken to hospital after being injured during a break-in at her Dumbarton home.
A man broke into the property on Hawthornhill Road between 1.45am and 2.45am this morning (Sunday).
Police officers are appealing for information into the “despicable” act.
During the attempted raid, the woman sustained injuries to her face and head.
She was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley for treatment.
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Detective Constable Iain Allison of Clydebank Police Office, said: “To break-in and cause injuries to one of the most vulnerable members of our community in the middle of the night is an absolutely despicable act. The woman’s physical injuries will heal but this terrifying experience will no doubt stay with her.
“We will be doing everything in our power to find the person responsible. We are currently looking for any CCTV in the area and are making door-to-door enquiries.
“We would ask anyone who may have any information to get in touch with us. Did you hear anything through the night? Were you out last night and only returning home around these hours? Did you seen anyone?
“Any small piece of information could lead us to find the man responsible.”
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The suspect is described as male, around 6ft, of slim build and was wearing dark clothing. He made off on foot towards Castlehill Road following the incident. It is unknown whether to he stole anything.
Officers will be carrying out extra patrols in the area and encourage anyone with concerns to call them on 101.
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