A woman in her 50s has been hit over the head with a machete while her back was turned in south east London, police said.
Police and the London Ambulance Service raced to Rathmore Road, in Charlton, at about 7.20pm on Friday night after hearing reports about a woman being attacked.
The woman, aged in her 50s, was approached from behind by a man who is unknown to her, police said, before hitting her over the head.
Officers said the suspect then ran away from the woman, in the direction of Woolwich Road.
The victim was then rushed to hospital after receiving a cut to her head. Police said her injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
In a statement, police said: “Police continue to work to trace the suspect but ask anyone with information, or who may have seen someone matching the description of the male, to call police immediately.
“The suspect is described as an Asian man, aged in his 30s, of heavy build. He may be wearing a tanned jacket.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 6689/16 Nov. Alternatively tweet @MetCC”
