Image: The injured victim has agreed to use of her image, but she does not wish to be named]

Detectives investigating a brutal attack which has left a female tourist requiring surgery are appealing for information.

A 60-year-old woman, who was visiting London from Austria, exited Warwick Avenue tube station at about 20:00hrs on Friday, 10 March, when a man in his late 20s approached her and tried to chat her up.

The victim politely rejected his advances and started walking along Warwick Avenue in the direction of Formosa Street, W9.

The suspect followed the victim, grabbed her from behind and seriously assaulted her by repeatedly punching her in the face. The attack left the victim with substantial facial injuries that amount to grievous bodily harm.

The victim was found a short time later by a passer-by who did not witness the attack but called the emergency services.

The victim was taken to a central London hospital for treatment.

She has since been discharged but will require further surgery.

The woman has agreed to use of her image, but she does not wish to be named.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged around 25 to 27 years, about 5ft 8ins tall with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing light coloured trousers, a brown jacket and a black baseball cap.

Detectives have carried out enquiries in the area and are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

Detective Constable Mike Reilly, the investigating officer from Westminster CID, said: “This was a vicious unprovoked attack that has left the victim very shaken. Her injuries are so severe that she requires surgery.

“Warwick Avenue is a busy area, especially at 8pm on a Friday evening. Someone must have seen something and I’d appeal for anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible so we can bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Westminster CID via 020 7321 8260 or @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org