Detectives have launched an investigation after a man was seriously assaulted while walking to the pub in a South Lanarkshire town.

At 2.50am on Sunday a man was walking on High Street in Biggar with his partner when he got involved in a verbal confrontation with another man across the street.

The suspect crossed the road, assaulted the victim and then made off in the direction of Broughton.

The victim had got out of a taxi at the bus stop and was walking towards the Elphinstone just before the incident took place.

The suspect is described as white, of medium build and was wearing a blue top.

Officers are now gathering CCTV footage for review in the hope that it provides additional information on the suspect.

Detective Constable Graham McAdam said: “This was a frightening incident which left the victim requiring hospital treatment and it is crucial that we find the man responsible.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to contact us.

"Maybe you saw the suspect prior to, or following the attack, or maybe you saw him run off up the High Street in Biggar.

"If you have any information at all, please do pass it on to police.”

“Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Wishaw Police Office via 101 and quote incident number 0827/30.  Alternatively, please call Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.”