A burka-clad woman struck another woman in the face with a carrier bag containing a brick in a bizarre unprovoked attack, it has been alleged.

But police do not believe the attacker is a Muslim.

The reported midnight attack took place in Cairns Avenue in Mitcham 

The 27-year-old woman wearing a burka, allegedly struck an unsuspecting 23-year-old woman from behind in Mitcham just before midnight on Saturday, December 6.

The injured woman suffered injuries during the incident in Cairns Avenue, near Streatham Park.

Police arrested a 27-year-old woman and took her to a south London police station.

She was later bailed, to return to a police station in February.

Chief Inspector Mark Lawrence said in an email bulletin:  "Late Saturday evening a woman walking through was randomly attacked by a woman wearing a burka who struck her with a handbag believed to contain a brick. 

"This is not believed to be a race hate crime, in fact we don’t even think the suspect is of Islamic faith."