A man has been attacked by two bogus policemen in a late night incident in Inverness.
The 45-year-old man was assaulted in the Esk Road area of the city at 11.45pm on Saturday.
They had initially falsely identified themselves as police officers, but fled when another person asked for official identification.
Their victim, described as vulnerable, was injured in the attack but did not require hospital treatment.
Police have issued a warning to residents, adding a description of the fake officers, who both spoke with local accents, as well as an appeal for witnesses.
One of the suspects is 5ft 10in, heavily built, with shoulder-length hair and a beard. He was wearing a dark T-shirt and blue jeans.
His accomplice was slightly taller, of slim build, with collar length dark hair, clean-shaven, and a distinctive lip piercing. He was wearing a black striped top and blue jeans.
Detective Inspector Mark Czerniakiewicz said: “The two men involved in this incident were not police officers nor were they affiliated to Police Scotland in any way.
“As soon as the men were asked for proof of identification, they immediately walked away from the area.
“Whilst this would appear to be an isolated incident, if anyone has information about incidents of a similar nature we would appeal for them to contact police immediately.
“Genuine police officers will be happy to show you identification which bears the signature of the chief constable.”