Police have issued a description of a man they believe slashed a woman across her face and neck with a knife seconds after she answered her front door.

Police are anxious to trace the man who rang the woman's doorbell in Martyrs Avenue, Langley Green, Crawley, and slashed at her face with a knife for about 30 seconds.

He then ran off towards Briar Close leaving the 34-year-old victim shocked and bleeding.

She was later taken to hospital and treated for serious facial injuries.

Detectives believe that although the victim did not know her attacker, she was targeted and they are keen to find out why.

Detective Sergeant Mick Beard said: "This was an extremely vicious assault on a young woman, the motive for which is unclear. I am particularly anxious this man is caught and the weapon recovered."

The man was described as 5ft 10in with tanned, swarthy skin and strong, vivid eyes.

He has prominent eyelashes, chiselled and defined cheek bones and dark hair.

He was aged between 25 and 35 and was wearing an off-white, creamy pair of trousers, a brilliant-white baseball cap and a light blue, short-sleeved shirt.

The victim has been discharged from Crawley Hospital.

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

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

"We need anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone having any information about the incident, which took place on July 15, is encouraged to contact Mr Eade at Crawley police station on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.