POLICE are hunting for two thugs of “gaunt appearance” after a man was rushed to hospital following a violent robbery in Paisley.

The 56-year-old man was at a bus stop near a nursery school in the town’s Canal Street on Sunday at around half past midnight.

He was approached by two other men who engaged him in conversation before grabbing his bag.

The victim was then pushed to the ground and punched and kicked.

Emergency services attended and he was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where he was later released following treatment.

The first suspect is described as around 6ft in height, short hair and gaunt appearance. He was wearing a grey hooded top.

The second suspect is also around 6ft in height with a gaunt appearance and wearing a dark coloured top.

Both suspects came from the direction of the Canal Bar and ran back towards it following the incident.

Officers are in the process of checking CCTV footage for any additional detail on the suspects.

Detective Stevie Craig, Paisley CID said: “I am appealing to people in the area to contact us, particularly those who were in the Canal Bar and the Grill in the Park restaurant.

“It’s possible people noticed the two men heading towards the bus stop on Canal Street prior to the incident, or they may have been seen running away after they attacked the 56-year-old man.

“If anyone has any information, or if any motorists have dash cam footage, I would urge them to contact us. Your information could prove vital in helping us identify these two suspects.”

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers at Paisley Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0560 of Sunday 24 June 2018.