POLICE are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted by a bogus charity worker and left with severe facial injuries.

At some time between 7.15pm and 7.35pm on Wednesday, September 23, 50-year-old victim Lillian Martin answered the door at her home on Abbey Road, Basingstoke to a man claiming he was collecting money for a children’s charity.

As the woman did not see any identification or documents to authenticate the charity, she politely declined and went to shut the door.

The man then punched her in the mouth, causing her to fall backwards onto the floor.  She was able to kick the door shut and then lost consciousness for a short time before she could raise the alarm.

It is believed that she hit her head as she fell, causing a large bump to the left side of her head.  She also received swelling and bruising to her left eye, cuts to her mouth and severe swelling and bruising to her chin, jaw and mouth.

The man police want to speak to is described as: White, aged in his mid 20s, stocky build with short dark hair. He appeared clean shaven was wearing a navy jumper and blue jeans.

PC Michaela Gaimster, said: “This was a nasty and unprovoked attack which has left the victim in a great deal of discomfort.  She was targeted in her own home which has left her feeling very shaken and distressed.

"If you have any information about this incident please call us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Gaimster at Basingstoke police station by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.