Police are hunting two girls after an 87-year-old woman was punched on a bus in Coulsdon.

The teenagers, thought to be aged between 14 and 18, boarded the route 166 service without paying before one of them attacked the elderly victim as she tried to leave the bus.

Paramedics took the woman to St Helier Hospital following the assault, which left her with a black eye. She was discharged later that day.

Police today released CCTV images of two girls wanted in connection to October 16 attack, which happened after they boarded the bus in Brighton Road at about 3.20pm.

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A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "A lengthy verbal exchange between the driver and suspects followed, which resulted in most of the passengers getting off the bus. 

"As the victim got up, one of the suspects punched her in the face, before both suspects ran off. 


"A passenger assisted the victim and the driver alerted police."

Both girls were black and one was wearing a black headband.

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Police sergeant Arran Hillier, of the Croydon Police's safer transport team, said: "This was a nasty attack on an elderly woman, who just wanted to get home.

"I urge anyone who may recognise the suspects to contact the police."

Anyone with information can contact PS Hillier on 07825 386424 or via 101. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Did you see the assault? Do you know the victim? Call the newsdesk on 0208 722 6351 or email chris.baynes@london.newsquest.co.uk