A FAMILY left devastated by a vicious attack at Chard Reservoir is pleading for people to come forward with information as members release a shocking new image of the victim in hospital.

A woman in her 40s was allegedly beaten over the head with a blunt object while walking her dog in the brutal attack on August 4, 2017.

The family branded the incident as ‘attempted murder’ and revealed the woman was just hours from death before undergoing emergency surgery.

The case shocked the town and will now be shown on the BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow Live on Friday (June 15).

The family, who do not wish to be named, have also talked about the incident and its lasting impact.

“One minute I was happily walking the dog, and then with no warning I was hit,” said the victim. “It was so forceful it took me straight down. I broke my hand and had an open fracture on the other one.

“I remember thinking, ‘what the hell is that’? Then there was a second huge blow and I realised what someone was doing to me.

“I instantly started screaming and screaming. A lady helped me and I staggered to her after he ran.

“I think many people might have just passed out and he would have carried on. After the first hit they had a moment to think about it, and then hit again.

“I think he would have done it again if I hadn’t screamed.”

She was first taken to Musgrove Park Hospital before doctors realised the seriousness of the damage and rushed her to Southmead, Bristol, for an emergency craniotomy when doctors removed part of her skull to access a bleed.

One of the victim’s daughters said: “She didn’t recognise us, she was just lying there. It was only then I realised the seriousness of it.”

The victim’s husband said: “She still suffers from issues surrounding the incident, but it is more psychological now.

“For five months I couldn’t work and now I am only part-time.”

The woman added: “I still get pain now from where they drilled the holes and stuff.

“For three months I wasn’t allowed to lift anything more than a cup of tea.

“I couldn’t be left on my own because of a risk of seizures.”

The family thanked the police, as well as staff at Musgrove Park and Southmead Hospitals.

So far there have been no arrests and police hope showing the e-fit and CCTV image of two people seen nearby will help enquiries.

The Crimewatch Roadshow will air from 11am until noon on Friday on BBC1.

Call 101, reference 5217178432, with information about the incident.