A 16-year-old girl who was left in a coma following an assault in May has died.

Julie Sheriff, from Hackney, was left in a critical condition after she was attacked in Falcon Road, Battersea, near the junction with St Johns Road on May 7.

She was taken to St George's Hospital where she remained in a coma for several months. The Metropolitan Police today revealed she died on September 21. Her next of kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination took place on September 23 and gave the cause of death as head injuries with associated complications.

A 15-year-old girl appeared at Balham Youth Court on May 10 charged with GBH in relation to the attack.

The police investigation has been passed to the Homicide and Serious Crime Command based in Sutton.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with Julie's family at this difficult time.

"We know from CCTV that some of the witnesses have not yet come forward and since the tragic death of this young woman, we urge them to do so.

"We would like to appeal to the public to think back to the time of this assault and speak to police as soon as possible.

"Julie was visiting friends in the Battersea area at the time. If you know anything about what happened on May 7 I urge you to contact the incident room."

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4005 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.