A mother and daughter are fighting for their lives after a stranger launched a hammer attack in the street in south-east London.

A manhunt has been launched for Joe Xuereb, 27, after the women were targeted in Greenwich on Sunday.

Officers were called to Adderley Gardens at 12.10pm to find the women, aged 64 and 30, suffering from injuries "consistent with a violent assault", Scotland Yard said.

They were taken to south London hospitals where they were in a critical condition on Sunday evening.

A hammer was recovered from the scene which was "believed to have been used in the assault", a police spokesman said.

The suspect, from Greenwich, is thought to have mental health issues and should not be approached by members of the public, police said.

He was described as a white male with short, light-coloured hair, wearing beige trousers, a white top and black trainers. He was last seen travelling on a black and orange bicycle.

Anyone who spots Xuereb is asked to call 999 immediately.

Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan said: "I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to trace Xuereb and question him in relation to the horrific attack which has left two women fighting for their lives.

"I would urge anyone who has information on his whereabouts to contact the police on 999, and would like to remind the public not to approach him if seen."

Police later confirmed that the main suspect in the attack had been arrested in Sidcup following the media appeal.