A CHADWELL mum told of the moment her daughter rang her after a savage hammer attack by their neighbour.

Giving evidence at Basildon Crown Court in the case against Debbie White, Sarah Clarke, 35, formerly of Crouch Road, Chadwell St Mary where the alleged attack took place, told the court how she had popped out to the shops when the attack happened.

She said: "My daughter Victoria rang. She was crying and told me she had been hit on the head with a hammer by Debbie White."

Miss Clarke told the court how she rushed home to find neighbours tending to Victoria in the living room.

She said: "I gave her a cuddle. She said she was very sore. Paramedics and police soon came and took us to the hospital."

Defence counsel Matthew Morgan asked if the bruises had come from fights with her daughter.

She said: "I have never hit her. We argue like any mum and daughter."

Mr Morgan QC referred to two police intelligence reports in 2006 which reported that Sarah Clarke had been seen punching her daughter and throwing her against a fence.

Mr Morgan told the court that Miss Clarke had 21 previous convictions for 48 offences including threatening behaviour and offences against the person.

Miss Clarke said: "That's in the past. I'm not on trial."

White denies the charges of aggravated burglary, actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon.

The trial continues.