An Iranian woman was slashed from forehead to chin in a suspected race

attack.

The 55-year-old woman, who has not been named, was attacked as she got out of her car outside her home in Aldsworth Avenue, Worthing.

She was sprayed in the face with an incapacitant spray before the attacker slashed her three times, deeply gashing her cheeks, nose, chin and forehead.

He then stabbed her in the leg.

The attacker made off into a small wooded area of the road.

The woman was admitted to a hospital in Worthing before being transferred to Chelsea Hospital, London, which specialises in facial injuries and plastic surgery.

Her condition was described yesterday as "serious, but not life-threatening".

Detective Constable Kim Clinch said: "This is an extremely vicious attack and the victim will be left permanently scarred as a result of her injuries.

"We are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"It may be the offender was seen hanging around in Aldsworth Avenue before the attack.

"No matter how small a piece of information is, we urge you to come forward."

The attack, which happened at about 11.30pm on Thursday, was initially treated as a racist incident.

Witnesses are asked to contact Worthing CID on 0845 6070999.

A 51-year-old man was arrested yesterday and was last night continuing to help police with their enquiries.