A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm after a woman was hit over the head by someone in a burka in an unprovoked attack.

Hong Nguyen, 23, was charged by police on Thursday over the attack in Cairns Avenue, Mitcham, on December 6 with causing grievous bodily harm and with possessing a hammer - an offensive weapon.

It is believed he was arrested after a person was spotted wearing a burka on Tuesday evening.

A 27 year-old woman remains on bail until next month in connection with the attack.

An unsuspecting 23 year-old woman was injured in December when she was struck from behind with a heavy object.

At the time it was believed that the incident was not a race hate crime.

Mr Nguyen, of Newcomen Road, Waltham Forest, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 13, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, February 26.