A 79-year-old, on his way home from a family funeral, has been left with significant head injuries in what police describe as a "shocking and violent attack".

The pensioner was returning home from a funeral in Orpington when the attack happened.

Police believe his car was followed as a returned from the crematorium.

As he got out of the vehicle in Midfield Way, he was approached by a man who had exited a white Seat Leon. The man then punched the victim twice in the head before getting back into the car and driving away.

It happened just before 11am on February 23.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for significant head injuries including a fractured jaw and a broken nose. He has since been discharged.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH and has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-March.

Detective Constable Mike Shrivell from the Met Police's south area CID said: “This was a shocking and violent attack on an elderly man who had just come from a funeral.

“It appears the Seat Leon had been parked at Kemnal Park crematorium in Chislehurst and followed the victim’s car to Midfield Way where the assault took place.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this assault, or who can recall seeing this car being driven between the crematorium and Midfield Way to contact police.

“This was a cowardly assault and the person responsible needs to be held accountable.”

Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD2353/23Feb.

You can also leave information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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