Appeal following ‘shocking and unprovoked’ attack on OAP

Police in Fife are hunting a teenage girl and a man after a pensioner fell victim to a “shocking and unprovoked” attack in Crossgates.

The assault on the 71-year-old man took place in Hillview Place around 9.20pm on Friday.

Officers are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

The pensioner was walking along the street when he was approached by the young woman and struck up a conversation with her.

A man, who had been in the area at the time, then walked up to him and punched him in the face.

The victim went to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy for treatment to what were described as minor injuries.

He is said to have been shaken up by his ordeal.

The woman was a slim 5ft 5 and in her late teens, with blonde hair and a local accent. She was wearing a brown suede jacket, blue jeans and carrying a bottle of alcohol.

The man was around 5ft 7 and stocky. He was in his late 20s, with a heavy beard and dark spiky hair.

It is believed the pair are known to each other.

Sergeant Caine McIntyre, of Cowdenbeath Police Station, said: “This was a shocking and unprovoked attack which has left an elderly man with painful facial injuries.

“Anyone who may have been in the area and saw these people, or who recognises their descriptions, is urged to contact us or the charity Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.