Police are hunting for three men after a pensioner was attacked in Aberdeen.
The 72-year-old man was taken to hospital with leg injuries after the incident, which happened at around 2.15am on Friday in the Ashgrove Road West area.
Police are now appealing for information about three men seen acting suspiciously in various areas across the city in the hours leading up to, and after, the attack.
The trio were seen at Cairncry Court at 11.30pm on Thursday.
They were then spotted in the early hours of Friday at Stockethill Cresent at 2am, Clifton Lane at around 2.45am and Birkhall Parade at around 3.30am.
Police have now stepped up their patrols, but are urging the public to help trace the men.
Detective Inspector Stuart McAdam said: “This is a concerning crime and we understand that the community will be affected. Additional patrols have and will be carried out.
“We are urgently appealing to anyone who may have seen these men around the times given.”
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Police hunt for three men after pensioner attacked in Aberdeen