Doctors are battling to save the sight of a senior British diplomat mugged while walking through a cemetery.

Bermuda's new Governor George Fergusson may lose his vision in his left eye after being attacked by a man on Friday night in Hammersmith Cemetery, west London, police said.

The 56-year-old received other facial injuries in the attack but managed to walk to a nearby hospital. A small quantity of cash was stolen.

Mr Fergusson, who lives in Lambeth with his wife Margaret, was expected to take up the post of Governor on the tiny British overseas territory later this month.

He has previously served as Governor of the Pitcairn Islands and high commissioner to New Zealand and Samoa.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a man was attacked in Hammersmith.

"The 56-year-old man was assaulted and robbed at around 7.30pm on Friday, April 20, while walking in Margravine Cemetery and Park, also known as Hammersmith Cemetery.

"The victim made his own way to hospital. He had suffered facial injuries, including a serious injury which threatens the sight in his left eye. He remains in hospital.

"He is George Fergusson, 56, of Lambeth. He works for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and is shortly to take up the post of Governor of Bermuda.

"A small quantity of cash was taken and, at this early stage, officers are satisfied that robbery was the only motive.

"Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham Priority Crime Unit are investigating the incident.

"The suspect is described as a black male, believed to be aged between 25 and 35, and around 5ft 10in in height. He was wearing a dark hooded top and dark glasses.

"There has been no arrests and inquiries continue."