POLICE have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with an attack on an 83-year-old woman.

Lilian McTomney, who is believed to suffer from Alzheimer's disease, was treated for a broken nose and other facial injuries following the assault which, police believe, took place at her home in Harton, South Shields, South Tyneside.

Mrs McTomney was attacked by a man after a night out at The Old Ship Inn, on Monday, July 12.

The suspect, from the South Shields area, was arrested in Bedfordshire. He was last night helping police with inquiries.