Police are hunting a man who viciously attacked a schoolboy on a bus.
Leon McKay was left with red marks and scratches on his neck after the terrifying assault which happened near Auldearn.
The 12-year-old and a friend were travelling home from school when a man charged up the bus and grabbed the youngster by his neck and chest.
The thug also threatened Leon, swearing at him and telling him to shut up.
When the two pals told the bus driver what had happened, he called the police.
However, the stranger got off the Stagecoach vehicle and vanished into the streets of Auldearn before officers could get there.
Now police have appealed for witnesses who may have seen the man making his escape.
Last night, Leon’s mother Lisa Cox said the youngster – a first year pupil at Nairn Academy – had been shaken by the ordeal which happened on Friday afternoon.
She said: “He was on the bus home from school with a friend. They were having a giggle in the back of the bus, probably being typical boys.
“A man ran up the bus and grabbed Leon by the chest and neck and told him to shut up.”
Ms Cox, 38, of Auldearn, said the attacker swore at her son and told him he was going to sit beside him for the journey to make sure he stayed quiet.
He initially stayed close to the two boys then moved a few seats away.
Mr Cox said the pair reported what had happened when the driver came to the rear of the bus to change the signs, and he contacted the police.
She said: “At that point, the man got off the bus.”
She added that Leon had some scratches and red finger marks on his neck when he got home.
She said: “I think he was more scared than hurt and he’s fine now. He says he’s not scared of getting back on the bus.
“The bus driver was fantastic in phoning the police.
“I can imagine Leon could be annoying, but all it takes it to tell him to be quiet – not to physically assault him.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was told.”
The bus, the number 11 service, was going from Inverness to Elgin when the incident happened at around 3.40pm as the bus approached Auldearn.
Police have issued a description of the man they are searching for in connection with the assault.
He was aged 20-30, 5ft 6in, and slim with a pointed nose.
He was wearing a beanie hat, a green hooded top and camouflage trousers.
The man was also believed to be carrying a black bag.
Anyone with information or any witnesses to the incident should contact police on 101.
Councillor Liz MacDonald said she was shocked to hear of a second violent incident in the Nairn area within recent days.
Last week, a homeless man was left with serious burns to his legs after allegedly being set alight.
A man has since appeared in court in connection with the incident.
Mrs MacDonald said: “This latest case is shocking and I am glad the boy is okay.
“It really is appalling that such violent incidents happen in what we regard as a safe community.”