A house robber was arrested on Tuesday shortly after he allegedly attacked a woman with a hammer in her Bramley home, Johannesburg police said.

Inspector Moses Maphakela said police responded to the robbery in progress and on arrival found the suspect still in the home.

"He was found in possession of stolen items and a hammer. It was seized at the scene."

Police said the victim, a 63-year-old woman, was found bleeding.

"The home owner had been hit on her right hand with the hammer."

She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The man was arrested at the scene.