A woman stabbed during an attempted robbery has spoken for the first time about her terrifying ordeal.

The victim, who does not want to be named, was attacked as she walked along Morland Avenue at about 12.40am on May 27.

The 39-year-old was walking home when she spotted four teenagers coming towards her and decided to cross the road.

She said: "There wasn't enough space so I crossed the road. Then someone approached me from behind and mumbled something, when I turned around a man asked me for the time very politely.

"I showed him my wrist, that I didn't have a watch. He was very friendly, very polite. He kept apologising and saying sorry, it was a little bit strange."

But as the victim continued her journey she again heard footsteps and stood aside to let the person pass.

She said: "The man was directly in front of me and was demanding money, he looked down and I realised he had a knife in his right hand.

"I turned around and ran but he grabbed my bag and dragged me with it. I was holding on to the bag, I don't know why I didn't let go and he stabbed my left arm twice.

"I was screaming for help as he stabbed me in the right arm, but no-one came. I screamed at him he had stabbed me, it was more the shock than the pain, then he ran off."

The victim, who is originally from Germany but has lived in Croydon for two years, underwent a five hour operation after the knife severed nerves in both arms.

The graphic designer who has been unable to work since the attack, is moving out of the area next month.

She added: "I was not offending this person I wasn't demanding anything and this person was just violent and I don't understand why.

"I have had two months of pain. I can't work, I can't draw and I have scars on my skin for life. If anyone remembers anything in connection to this, please come forward."

Police have released an e-fit of the man involved.

Detective Sergeant Hayley Stanesby of Croydon CID said: "We are still determined to find the person responsible for this attack. This was a very violent assault on a woman trying to make her way home."

Anyone with information is asked to call officers on 0203 276 228 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111