An 80-year-old woman was thrown to the ground after intervening in a disturbance outside her Camden flat, police said today.
Scotland Yard said two women and a man were causing a "noise nuisance" in the stairwell of her Bassett Street apartment block after following the elderly victim into the building.
Before entering her flat the pensioner told the group - who had claimed they were visiting a family member - to be quiet.
Police said one of the girls from the group then pushed the elderly woman to the floor before the trio fled the scene.
The "shaken" victim was treated for minor injuries but was not taken to hospital.
Police have launched an appeal for help tracing her aggressors following the incident shortly after 11am on Wednesday.
Detective Constable Adele Joyner, from Camden CID, said: "This was a callous act and the victim sustained extensive bruising to her right arm and elbow. Thankfully, her injuries were not serious but understandably she is very shaken by what happened.
“We have conducted enquiries within the block and the local area and we are now calling on the public to help trace those responsible."
Police described the first female suspect as white, in her mid-20s and with a "skinny" face. She was said to be wearing a black three-quarter length hooded coat with the hood up.
The second suspect is also white and of stout build with long blonde hair, police said.
The man, dressed in black with his hood up, was a white male who spoke with an Irish accent.
Anyone with information can call Camden CID on 020 8733 6588 or 101. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
