Police investigating an assault which left a pensioner in a critical condition in hospital are appealing for help to identify a potential suspect.

The 72-year-old victim remains at the University of Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, after she was found with serious head injuries at her home on Garnswllt Road, Pontarddulais, at around 8.15am on Wednesday, January 9.

Detectives are keen to trace a purse they believe is missing as a result of the attack, and to identify a person seen acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident.

Detective Inspector Matthew Davies said: “The victim remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital and I am keen to establish exactly what happened, and to trace the individual responsible as a matter of urgency.

“We are grateful to members of the public who have contacted us already, and I would urge anyone who thinks they may have information which could help – however insignificant it may seem – to call 101.

“In particular I would like to hear from anyone who saw a white male in his late teens or twenties in the vicinity of Garnswllt Road on Wednesday morning. He was wearing a dark top with the hood up and was carrying what has been described as a backpack.

“I am also eager to locate a green and purple leather purse we believe is missing.

“In addition I’d appeal to anyone who has any dash-cam, CCTV, or doorbell camera footage of the area in and around Garnswllt Road between 7am and 9am on Wednesday, January 9th to contact police.

“I appreciate this incident has caused concern in the local community and I would like to reassure the public that patrols have been increased and officers are doing all they can to find the person responsible. I would also like to re-iterate the importance of contacting the police if you feel you may have any information no matter how insignificant you may feel it is”.

Anyone with information should call South Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 1900010488.