Detectives believe a woman who was slashed across her face and neck was not the victim of a random attack.

They say the 34-year-old was targeted but are keeping an open mind as to why.

She was set upon by a man wielding a bladed weapon after she opened her front door during the day.

The woman thought he was a delivery man when he knocked on her door at Martyrs Avenue, Crawley, at 2pm on Monday.

But without saying a word he launched a 30-second attack with the weapon, which has not been recovered.

She sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries to her face and neck from the tanned, baseball cap-wearing attacker.

Her attacker, who was tanned and wearing a baseball cap, ran off towards Briar Close. The woman, who has not been named, tried to staunch the bleeding.

She underwent emergency treatment at hospital and last night her condition was stable.

Detective Constable Robin Eade, of Crawley CID, said: "It does appear to be a targeted attack but we are keeping an open mind as to a possible motive.

"She suffered particularly nasty injuries and we are treating it as a serious incident."

He issued an urgent appeal for information about the man, described as being about 30, wearing a short-sleeved, blue T-shirt and light-coloured trousers.

Anyone with information should call Crawley CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.