Police are continuing to appeal for help to identify an attacker who left a pensioner critically ill in hospital following an assault in Pontarddulais two weeks ago.

The 72-year-old victim was found with serious head injuries at her home on Garnswllt Road, at around 8.15am on Wednesday, January 9.

She remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital with her family at her bedside.

An incident room has been set up at Swansea Central Police Station with a number of detectives dedicated to the inquiry.

Detective Inspector Matthew Davies, who’s leading the investigation, said he is confident the key to solving the crime lies within the local community.

DI Davies said: “This was a frightening assault on a defenceless woman, and one which has left her critically ill in hospital.

“Her family are devastated by what has happened to her and we are working tirelessly to identifying the person responsible and give them some answers.

"We appreciate that this incident has also had a significant impact on the local community, who are understandably concerned that the attacker remains at large, and I’d like to reassure them that tracing the individual responsible is very much a priority for the team.

“The public have been really supportive of the investigation and we are extremely grateful for the information that has come in so far. But I believe someone locally may have further information which could prove crucial.

“No matter how insignificant it may seem, if you have any information related to the investigation, please do contact us.”

Officers are also continuing to appeal for help to identify and trace a potential suspect and to locate a purse belonging to the victim.

DI Davies added: “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’d also like to locate a green and purple leather purse, which belongs to the victim, and which may have been taken during the attack.

“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.”

Anyone with any information should contact 101, quoting occurrence 1900010488.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.