THE family of a young woman fighting for her life after being stabbed are “desperate” to find the person responsible.

Qingqing Rao, 29, was stabbed and left with head injuries in the “horrific” attack in Kithira Road, Dagenham, shortly before 10pm on Monday (February 13).

She remains in hospital unconscious and in a critical condition.

Officers will return to the crime scene to hand out leaflets and appeal for witnesses to come forward between 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Monday, February 20.

Qingqing, a City business analyst, had been heading home from work and had taken a bus from Rippleside Cemetery in Barking at 9.37pm to Castle Green Park, Dagenham.

She was walking across the park when she was attacked.

Qingqing's bag was later found nearby in Goresbrook Road, and police are trying to establish if anything is missing.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, leading the investigation at the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Her parents and husband are by her side and desperate to catch the person who did this to her.

"We are still keeping an open mind about the motive and exploring all lines of enquiry but indications are Qingqing was brutally attacked by a stranger."

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson from Barking and Dagenham borough said: "This was clearly a horrific attack that has left a young woman fighting for her life.

"We do not want to alarm people but it's prudent for everyone to take sensible crime prevention precautions.”

Detectives have issued fresh appeals for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

They are particularly keen to speak with two women who helped paramedics following the attack.

Anyone who can help is asked to call incident room on 020 8345 1570, contact police via 101 or by tweeting @MetCC.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests.