A man has been left with a facial injury after an assault by a blade-wielding would-be robber.

At around 12.10am, a 44 year-old man was walking in the area of Frew Terrace in Irvine, when a man spoke to him and began to walk alongside him.  

The man then threatened the 44 year-old with a bladed weapon and demanded money from him.  

The suspect then punched and kicked the 44-year-old man before making off empty handed.

The victim was taken to Crosshouse Hospital where he is receiving treatment for a facial injury.

The suspect is around 5 ft. 8 inches in height, around 20 years old, clean shaven with a thin build and local accent, wearing a light hooded top.  Part of the suspect’s face was covered with a grey or white coloured scarf.

Detective Sergeant Martin Prendergast said: “This man has been randomly attacked, leaving him with a facial injury and it’s vital we trace the man responsible.  

"I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident to contact us, perhaps the suspect had been loitering in the street, perhaps you saw him running off, please, if you have any information, do pass it .”

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers at Saltcoats Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0120 of 19 February 2019.  

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.