POLICE investigating after a woman was shot in the eye inside her own home have released a description of a suspect.

Officers were called to a bungalow in Chesham Drive, Laindon, just after 8am yesterday morning with reports a woman had been injured inside the property.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was airlifted to St George's Hospital in Tooting where she underwent surgery for lifechanging injuries. She will remain in hospital for some time.

The suspect is described as being of Eastern European appearance, between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt and dark trousers or jeans.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the man before or after the time of the incident.

Officers are continuing with reassurance patrols in the area. Detectives are not clear of the motive behind the attack.

Investigating Officer, Dc Nick May, said: "We have been making a number of enquiries and are taking to the victim who is obviously very distressed and shaken by what has happened. I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about who the suspect might be or who has anything which may help detectives locate him is asked to contact Dc Nick May on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Neighbours told the Echo the woman ran from her home screaming and clutching her face in agony.

She told them she had been punched to the floor and shot in the eye by a stranger as she got out of the shower.

The weapon has been described as a small, square, boxy shaped handgun.

The armed suspect is still on the run.

Police carried out an initial area search but no arrests have been made.

Ds Richard Burgess of Basildon CID said: "This is a particularly unusual incident with no clear motive.

"It appears from the scene that the suspected jemmied open the front door and encountered the woman when she came out of her bathroom.

"After first punching the woman in the face and then shooting a pellet at her, he has then fled the house. I am urging anyone who saw a man running along Chesham Drive at around 8am this morning to contact my team as soon as possible.

"There is nothing to suggest anyone should be fearful that this man should strike again. Local officer patrols will be stepped up in the surrounding areas to offer reassurance to residents.”

Anyone with information about who the suspect might be or who has anything which may help detectives locate him is asked to contact Dc Nick May on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.