Passer-by ignored widow's cries as she lay dying in street

Police said that Molly Morgan sustained head injuries after being attacked from behind in Harrow - yet people who could have helped her thought she was drunk.

She was left on the pavement for 10 minutes before being taken to hospital on Thursday evening, but died the following day from her injuries.

A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as head injuries. She also had a broken left arm and multiple fractures to the left side of her face after being dragged to the ground during the attack. Her bag contained just an electrical extension lead and a Primark umbrella.

Today her only daughter Hilary, an artist from Surrey, pleaded for anyone with information to come forward. She also released a painting of her mother's bag, which police are searching for.

She said: "My mum was so active and full of life. I still can't believe she has been taken away from me. I am her only daughter and we were close. She encouraged me in my dream of going to art school.

"If this painting helps to catch the person who killed her, it's the most important painting I've ever done."

Mrs Morgan, who had lived in the local area for more than 50 years, was on her way to Kenton Library for a lecture.

The "active" and "agile" pensioner had trained as an architect but gave up work to become a full-time mother.

She was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and sat on the London committee of the Workers' Educational Association, a group that supports adult education.

For more than 40 years she was married to William Morgan, who died in November 1997.

Detective Chief Inspector Jessica Wadsworth - from the Met's Homicide and Serious Crime Command, which is leading the investigation - said some passers-by refused to help Mrs Morgan because they thought she had been drinking.

She said: "When Mrs Morgan was attacked she fell to the ground and we believe she was on the pavement for about 10 minutes before anyone came to her aid.

"While at hospital, Mrs Morgan told police that a man walked right past her and didn't stop, even when she asked for help.

"I need to trace this man, and any other people who saw Mrs Morgan lying on the pavement, since they are vital witnesses and will be able to help me find who killed her.

"It is our belief that this man, and other people in the area who didn't assist the victim, may tragically not have realised that Mrs Morgan had been attacked and was in considerable pain.

"We know from some witnesses that they had assumed she was merely a drunk on the street."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8358 0300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.