An elderly man was injured in an unprovoked attack on an Inverness street in broad daylight.
Police want to hear from witnesses to the assault, which happened in Kingsmills Road at about 5.30pm on Thursday.
Officers are hunting a man who is thought to be in his 20s, who was on foot and came from the Culcabock Road direction before crossing over onto Kingsmills Road.
The attack happened on the street near Fraser Park.
The attacker is about 6ft tall and slim. He was said to have “very scruffy” dark, possibly shoulder-length, hair.
He was dressed in black trousers and a blue anorak and was carrying a grey rucksack.
Sergeant Craig Stuart, who is leading the investigation, said: “The elderly man sustained facial injuries as a result of this incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.
“He was understandably shaken by what happened and we’re liaising closely with him to provide support.
“Incidents of this nature are unheard of in the area and in the city generally, which makes this particularly disappointing.”
He offered an assurance to the local community that all efforts were being made to identify and trace the attacker.
“I would appeal for anyone with information about the incident, whether you were in the area at the time or recognise the description provided, to please get in touch,” Sgt Stuart added.
Police did not reveal the victim’s age.