AN elderly man was assaulted in Crossgates in a "shocking and unprovoked attack" on Saturday night.

Police are appealing for information after the 71-year-old was punched in the face in Hillview Place around 9.20pm.

He was walking along the street when he was approached by a woman and engaged in conversation before a man, who had been in the area, attacked him.

The victim attended the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy with minor injuries.

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."

The woman is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 5ins tall, 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 is described as white, 5ft 6 to 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build, in his late twenties, with a heavy beard and dark spikey hair.

It's believed the man and woman are known to each other.

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4278 of 17th November, or report this anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.