Greenwich hammer attacks: Man arrested after 'horrific' assault on two women in south London

Attack on mother and daughter leaves them fighting for their lives

Police in Adderley Gardens, Greenwich, south-east London, after a mother and daughter where left fighting for their lives when a stranger launched an unprovoked hammer attack on them in the street (PA)

A 27-year-old man has been arrested after a “horrific” hammer attack in south London left a mother and daughter fighting for their lives.

The two victims, aged 64 and 30 and not thought to be known to their attacker, are in hospital in a critical condition following the unprovoked assault in Greenwich on Sunday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said.

Officers aimed but did not fire a Taser when Joe Xuereb was detained on suspicion of attempted murder in Old Farm Avenue, Sidcup, detectives said. The arrest took place at 7.35pm.

Police had appealed for help from the public in tracing Mr Xuereb for questioning after what Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan called the “horrific” attack.

A Met spokesperson said: “Police received a number of calls.”

The two women were found injured at Adderley Gardens, Greenwich, at about 12.10pm.

Police said that officers have recovered a hammer believed to have been used in the assaults.

“The two women are believed to be mother and daughter,” said the Met spokesperson. “Next of next of kin have been informed.”

The man is in custody at a south London police station.

Anyone with information about the attack should call 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.