A VIOLENT burglar who was detained in a mental hospital has escaped, and police fear she may have struck again.

Mary Thompson, 28, who was convicted of aggravated burglary last month, had been held in Naseberry Court hospital in Larkshall Road, Highams Park.

However police have revealed she went missing last Wednesday, and are now trying to trace her in connection with two crimes committed since her escape.

Yesterday, a 68-year-old man was robbed by a woman at his home in Barnabas Road, Walthamstow.

The woman knocked on the door asking for help for her brother, before pushing the man aside and beating him over the head, arms and legs with a broom handle.

She made off with money and bank cards following the raid, which happened at 7.15pm.

And at 7pm on Friday, a woman tricked her way into the home of an 83-year-old man in Church Road, Leyton.

The burglar had distracted him by telling him his wife had been taken ill, and stole money and jewellery.

Police describe Thompson as a light-skinned black woman, between 5ft 3ins and 5ft 5ins tall, thin, with brown eyes and collar-length black hair which she often wears in a ponytail.

Det Sgt John Seabrook, of Leyton police, said: "We are appealing for anyone with information about Thompson's whereabouts to contact us as soon as possible.

"We would also urge elderly and potentially vulnerable residents in the local area to be on their guard. Do not open your door until you are satisfied you know who is on the other side. If in doubt call police."

Anyone with information should call DS Seabrook on 020 8345 2372, or dial 999 in an emergency.