A man appeared in court today accused of attacking an elderly woman with a hammer during a robbery in Goodmayes.

Patrick East, 46, of Breamore Court, Goodmayes, was remanded in custody after a hearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court and awaits a trial.

He entered no plea to charges of robbery, assault on police with the intent to resist arrest and attempting to escape from lawful custody.

A Redbridge Police spokesman said officers were called to reports of an assault and robbery at a house in Breamore Road at 11.40pm on September 23.

She added: “An 86-year-old woman was taken to an east London hospital with head injuries, where the victim was later discharged.”

East is due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court tomorrow (Friday).