Police have launched an investigation after a man was assaulted at a Moray village bus stop.
Officers said a 28-year-old has been left with a permanent scar after being targeted in Portknockie at the weekend.
He was also robbed of clothing and several personal items during the attack, which took place at the bus stop outside the Spar shop on Church Street.
Investigating officers said the man was “shaken up”, and have appealed for anyone with information on the in
cident to come forward.
Two teenage boys are believed to have witnessed the events unfold, and have been urged to contact the police to detail what they saw.
Buckie ward councillor Gordon Cowie said the incident was very unusual for the normally peaceful coastal village.
Mr Cowie said: “I have never heard of anything like this in Portknockie before, it’s a very quiet place, so this is worrying.
“This must be of particular concern to the older population, who aren’t used to this sort of thing on their doorstep.
“Normally, if there was anyone strange to the village in Portknockie, people would know about it, so I have faith this can be resolved soon.
“I just hope these two young lads come forward and say something about it, it’s important for the folk in the village that this gets sorted out as quickly as possible.”
Detective Constable Mitch Dickson from Elgin CID is leading the inquiry into the attack.
He said: “This incident happened in the early evening of Friday, February 12, near to the local shop in Portknockie.
“The victim is likely to be left with a permanent scar to his face as a result of the incident and has been shaken up.
“I would encourage anyone with information which could assist the inquiry to contact Elgin CID on 101.
“In particular, we would like to trace two teenage males, who would have been in the area at the time, who may be able to assist police.”