THIS is the battered face of a woman beaten in her own home by an intruder.

And detectives have named a man they want to speak to in connection with the 'vicious' attack on Leanne Smalley.

They said they were hunting Benjamin Parker, a former partner of Ms Smalley.

Ms Smalley, 26, was attacked on Sunday October 17 after an intruder forced his way into her home in Highfield Road, Clitheroe, at 1am.

During a prolonged ordeal at the hands of her attacker, Ms Smalley slipped in and out of consciousness and suffered ‘horrendous’ facial injuries.

She was punched, grabbed round the neck and even had items of furniture thrown at her.

Ms Smalley eventually managed to escape and ran bloodied and barefoot in her pyjamas to her a relative’s house nearby. The police were called at around 5am.

Parker is described as 5ft7in tall, of 'average build' with dark hair.

He has a number of tattoos including a tribal design on his shoulder and a lilly on the inside of his lower arm.

Detective Inspector Steve Dowson, said: “This was a particularly vicious assault and we are extremely keen to trace this man.

"The attack left the victim not only very shaken but with serious injuries, so much so she has allowed us to release the picture of her injuries in a bid to urge people to come forward if they have any information that could help police.

“We believe that Parker could well be in the Clitheroe or Blackburn areas and we would urge anyone who may have any information about where he may be to come forward and contact police.

“I would reassure people that if they do have any information that they can be sure that their call will be treated in complete confidence if they so wish.”

Anyone with any information can contact police on 01254 458734 or on 08451 25 35 45. Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.