DETECTIVES say the investigation into a brutal attack on a Newport dairy owner has stalled.

Forensic examinations have drawn a blank and no witnesses to the assault on 67-year-old Nancy Willett have come forward.

Miss Willett, of AT Willett Bishpool Dairy, suffered a fractured jaw and cheekbone and needed 30 stitches in her head after the attack at 2.30am on July 13.

Detective Sergeant Adrian Elworthy, from Alway CID, said: "We have carried out forensic examinations from items at the scene, including a cigarette butt, but we have had no DNA profile matches so we are stalled.

"It's a very unusual case and there has been nothing similar in the area. We do not have a motive and she was not robbed."

Miss Willett said she was still in pain, two-and-a-half months on from the attack.

She said: "I'm still hoping the police can catch whoever did this. My teeth have been knocked off-line which is causing discomfort and my jaw is still swollen.

"I have some nasty scars on the side of my face but a lot of it has healed." Miss Willett said she was still waiting for her clothing and other items - taken for forensic examination - to be returned by police.

She said she was continuing to help her 73-year-old sister Doreen collect money from customers but did not feel ready to deliver milk in the mornings.

Miss Willett was loading her milk float on Ringwood Avenue when she was assaulted.

She described how the attack was so vicious and sudden she thought it may have been an animal.

Since the incident well-wishers have sent her cards, flowers, chocolate, wine, fruit, cakes, money and even a freshly caught trout.

* Anyone with information should contact Alway CID on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.