A YOUNG woman from Ulverston was subjected to a vicious and unprovoked attack as she waited at a set of traffic lights along a busy high street.

Shocking video footage shows Rhiannon Jeffreys being punched to the head as a man sprints past in Clapham High Street, south London.

The 25-year-old victim, who went to Chetwynde School in Barrow where her mum Sian is headteacher, was said to be very distressed after the daylight assault, which was caught on CCTV cameras.

Miss Jeffreys, who moved to London where she works for beauty company InParlour as a marketing and brand manager, was left with minor injuries after the random attack.

Police are hunting for the 6ft-tall black man involved in the incident at the pedestrian crossing on Wednesday, September 14.

The attacker was aged between 30 and 40 years old, had short black hair and is described as being clean shaven or having short stubble. He was wearing dark trousers and a green jacket.

DC Dan Nash, from Lambeth CID, said: “The victim was simply going about her business when out of the blue a man approached her from behind and punched her in the side of her head before running off.

“This was an unprovoked attack which has left the victim very distressed. CCTV footage shows the man loitering at the location for a few minutes before the attack.

“Clapham High Street was very busy at the time of the incident. Someone must have seen something, so I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone who recognises the man to come forward.”