Police have launched an investigation after an attempted robbery on a young woman near Inverness city centre.
A 19-year-old woman was targeted while she was walking alone in the King Street area, between Bishop Eden and St Joseph’s primary schools.
She was approached from behind by an unknown man at about 9.15pm on Wednesday.
After a brief struggle with the man, she managed to escape without losing any of her personal belongings.
The victim was not injured during the incident but police said she was left “shaken” after the ordeal.
As the investigation continued yesterday, officers were carrying out high visibility patrols in the area to reassure the public.
And police have now appealed to the public for any information that could help catch the culprit.
The man was described by the force as wearing a green khaki waterproof jacket with the hood up.
He was also said to have been wearing glasses and is thought to have been wearing heavy boots.
Detective Sergeant Craig Still last night urged anyone with any information to come forward.
“This was a distressing incident for the victim who was understandably shaken by her ordeal,” he said.
“I would like to offer reassurance to the wider community that that inquiries are ongoing to identify the man described by the victim.
“Highly visible officers will be carrying out patrols in the area over the next few days to provide public reassurance and to carry out enquiries into this incident.”
He added: “Anybody who has information relating to this incident which could help is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Previous incidents have been reported in the nearby area, including an attack and robbery last year.
A man was assaulted and had his wallet stolen in the lane which connects Huntly Street to Kenneth Street, next to the Royal British Legion.
Two men in their 30s allegedly carried out the attack.