A mother was attacked at knife-point by an armed thug in front of her two young children outside her Selhurst flat.

The man pounced on the 37-year old woman in Selhurst New Road last Friday evening and demanded: "your money or your kids".

The frightened woman immediately reached into her baby's buggy to grab her purse but was then struck with a sharp weapon.

After slashing her arm and cutting her clothes, the man ran off empty-handed and the woman alerted police.

She was treated at Mayday Hospital but did not require stitches.

Police said the toddler who had witnessed the attack was badly shaken.

DC Nick Hills, in charge of the investigation, said: "This was an horrifically violent and unprovoked attack.

"We are shocked by the ease with which the man resorted to violence even before the woman had a chance to comply with his demands."

Anyone in the area at about 6.20pm who saw a woman struggling with a black attacker wearing dark clothing should call DC Hills on 0181 629 1222.

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