POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after an apparently unprovoked attack on a 41-year-old blind lady in South Gloucestershire.

The attack, which happened at about 7.55am on Tuesday, March 13, took place after the woman had caught a bus at the Soundwell Road/Portland Street stop in Staple Hill.

She left the bus at the end of Soundwell Road, near Page Road car park, and just after she got off, she was assaulted by an unknown suspect who punched her several times in the torso and laughed before running off.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along Soundwell Road at around 8am on Tuesday morning, especially anyone who may have travelled on the same bus.

PC Dan Whalley said: “The person responsible for this unacceptable assault would have been aware of this lady’s visual impairment.

“She was left with bruising after the attack and has understandably been left shaken and distressed by the incident. I’d ask anyone who can help our investigation to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to get in touch online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 5218054539.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.