DETECTIVES are calling for the public’s help after a pregnant woman was subjected to a horrific attack in her own home.

The 26-year-old mother-to-be was punched in the face, knocked to the floor and subjected to blows to the head and body by a balaclava-clad intruder.

She sustained bruising to her face and body and was treated at Poole Hospital.

The victim was six months pregnant at the time of the attack and thankfully gave birth to a healthy baby boy earlier this month.

Detectives were keen to ensure the baby was born unharmed before renewing their appeal for information. They have also released a CCTV image of a man carrying a pull-along hosed vacuum cleaner who may hold vital information.

The attack happened at around 10am on Thursday March 24 in Norwich Avenue West in the West Hill area of Bournemouth.

DI Stewart Balmer, of the Dorset Police Major Crime Team, said: “After answering a knock at the door, the victim was confronted by a man wearing a balaclava, hooded top and leather gloves.

“The man punched the victim in the face. She was knocked to the floor where the intruder continued to subject her to blows to the head and body.

“The woman was then taken to another room where she was made to sit down.”

It was at this point an estate agent arrived and interrupted the attack.

Having been disturbed, the attacker ran out of the woman’s home along Norwich Avenue, turning left up Queens Road. Witnesses recall seeing a man carrying a rucksack and a vacuum cleaner.

DI Balmer added: “This was a horrific attack on a pregnant woman in her home. She has been left severely traumatised by the incident and I urge anyone with information to contact me as soon as possible.

“The motivation for this attack is not known and it is vital that we apprehend the offender.

“The victim has expressed her relief at the safe arrival of her son and would like to thank all her friends and family for their support.”

The man is described as white, aged around 30, approximately 6ft and of slender build.

He was wearing numerous layers of clothing – the outer layer being described as a dark hooded top. He wore dark bottoms and trainers.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 quoting incident number 24:135 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.