Police are investigating after a woman was found with serious head injuries in Hamilton's Frankton on Monday night.
Emergency services were called to Marire Ave around 6pm.
"On arrival they found a woman who had allegedly been badly beaten with a hammer at a nearby property," Detective Sergeant Nicholas Stark said in a statement on Tuesday.
"She managed to escape and get to the Marire Ave address, where emergency services were called and she was taken to hospital with serious head injuries."
A scene examination is underway and police are working to locate the male alleged offender, who is believed to be known to the woman.
"As part of enquiries, Police would like to speak with anyone who was driving along Norton Road between 5pm and 7pm last night, Monday 29 April, who saw a distressed female," Det Sgt Stark said.
Anyone with information and/or dash camera footage is asked to please contact 105, referencing file number 240429/8272.