POLICE are treating an attack on a teenager in her flat as attempted murder.

The 19-year-old is in a critical condition in hospital after being found with head injuries at the ground-floor property in Green Pond Close, Walthamstow, at 1.30am on Sunday.

The victim's 20-year-old boyfriend went to the rear of the flat after failing to get a response when he rang the front door bell.

When he looked through a window, he saw his girlfriend lying unconscious on her bed.

He managed to get into the flat through an open window and raised the alarm.

The victim, who suffered a number of heavy blows, was rushed to hospital where she is in intensive care fighting for her life.

Police believe a weapon was used but have not identified what type.

The block remained cordoned off on Monday as detectives carried out a thorough forensic examination of the flat and the surrounding area.

Police say the motive for the attack is unclear and are appealing for witnesses to come forward, especially anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary in the area on Saturday night.

Det Insp Brian McClusky, of Waltham Forest CID, said: "This is a very serious incident which has left a young woman with life-threatening injuries. We are urgently appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything out of the ordinary to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone who with information should call police on 8345 2465 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A neighbour has spoke to the Guardian about her fears of violence in the neighbourhood.

A WOMAN who lives alone in the block of flats where someone tried to kill the teenager says a threatening atmosphere in the area is driving her away.

Donna Stewart, 27, lives in a ground floor property in Green Pond Close, Walthamstow, just yards from where a 19-year-old female was found unconscious in the early hours of Sunday morning.

She said she was shocked that such an attack took place nearby and plans to leave the area when her current contract expires, because she does not feel safe.

She said: "So many different things are happening.

"I was in my flat working at night when a guy put his head through an open window.

"About two weeks before, the window of my boyfriend's car was smashed for no reason. There are always people hanging around at night in the dark.

"There are a lot of strange cars with people inside parked up for a long time. I have seen people sitting in the cars in the car park behind here taking drugs."

She went on: "I have called my landlord to ask him to put bars across the window for my own safety, but he has not done it yet. I can't live in an environment like this - it is really scary."

Ms Stewart says neighbours in the block rarely speak to each other, and there is no sense of community.

"I don't know anyone here. I don't speak to anyone - no one speaks to you. If you say good morning, people don't say anything. I am definitely moving in April. It is a very strange environment here."