Man charged with attacking elderly woman

A man who allegedly attacked an elderly woman before an attempted car-jacking in Cairns has been charged.

Police say the 27-year-old man assaulted the woman, 69, on a Manoora street one week ago and then attempted to car-jack a passing vehicle before fleeing on foot.

The man was arrested a short time later but needed hospital treatment for a medical condition.

He's now been released and charged with assault, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and wilful damage.