A 40-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of a 72-year-old woman at her Pontarddulais home.

Jeffrey Paul Lloyd, of Teilo Street in Pontarddulais, is also charged with robbery following the incident at Garnswllt Road on January 9.

Prosecuting, Abdul Hussain said the incident occurred in the home of Ruth Yandle and involved the use of a crow bar.

He told Swansea Magistrates' Court that Ms Yandle had sustained injuries to her forehead and eye socket, as well as having bleeding into her brain.

He described her condition as serious, but stable.

Lloyd was told the charge was so serious it had to be sent to Crown Court.

He entered no pleas.

He was remanded in custody until the next hearing following an application which was not opposed.

He is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on March 4.

Officers are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to the incident, however they are still appealing to find a green and purple leather purse belonging to the victim, which is believed to have been taken during the attack.

Residents living on Garnswllt Road, Glynhir Road, Cae Cerrig Road or Glynllwchwr Road in particular are urged to look out for the item.

Detective Inspector Matthew Davies said: “I would like to thank the local community who have proved invaluable to this investigation. I am extremely grateful to all those who came forward with information and footage and I hope this significant development provides those living locally with some reassurance.

“My thoughts, and those of my team, are with the victim who remains extremely ill in hospital as a result of the horrendous injuries she suffered. Our thoughts are also with her family, who have been left distraught by the incident.”

Anyone who believes they may have found the victim’s missing purse is asked to contact 101, quoting occurrence 1900010488.