Police are hunting a gang of thugs who savagely battered a man in the centre of a Moray town.
The 50-year-old was taken to hospital after being beaten on Forres High Street.
Police say a group of men set upon the unwitting victim while he was trying to flag down a taxi.
The man was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin following the assault, where he spent the night.
The incident happened at around 1am on Friday, May 27.
Constable Gemma MacRae is leading the investigation into the “distressing” attack.
She said: “Although the injuries are not life-changing or life-threatening, the victim was still required to spend the night in hospital, and it goes without saying that it caused a great deal of distress.
“I would urge anyone who was in the area on the night in question and saw anything to contact the police as soon as possible.
“No matter how insignificant people may think the information is, it could help with our investigation.”
A police spokesman confirmed that the man suffered injuries to his face and both arms during the assault.
Last night, Forres councillor George Alexander said he was hopeful that the culprits would be caught.
Mr Alexander said: “This seems to be a bit of a mysterious assault, as it is unusual for one group of men to attack a single victim like this.
“Hopefully the police can track down and arrest those responsible, but as it happened a fortnight ago it could be difficult to collect strong witness accounts.”
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
