Elderly woman 'bashed while walking dogs' may not survive

An elderly woman who was allegedly bashed while walking her dogs in north-west Melbourne is in an induced coma in hospital and may not survive.

Le Le, 77, was found lying on the ground with serious head injuries in Willaton Street, St Albans, about 7pm on Thursday, homicide detective Scott Riley told a Melbourne court today.

"Due to the nature of the injuries, the victim is not expected to survive," Senior Constable Riley said.

Neighbours found the woman lying in a pool of blood by neighbours before she was taken to hospital.

Amy Tran is accused of bashing the 77-year-old and has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury.

9NEWS cameras captured the St Albans woman smiling at detectives as she was led away in handcuffs at about 10.30am yesterday.

She faced court today, wearing a grey t-shirt and again smiling at people in the room.

Tran has been remanded to re-appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.