A thug approached a woman in a residential street and brutally attacked her.
The 57-year-old victim was walking along Munro Street in Alexandria on Friday night when the incident unfolded at around 9.10pm.
She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and later released after receiving treatment.
Officers are now trying to hunt down the assailant.
He is described as a male in his late 30s, around 5ft 4 inches in height with short dark hair. He was wearing a blue tracksuit top and blue jeans.
Detective Constable Darren Boag said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or had sight of the man described.
“Likewise, if you were driving in the area and have dash-cam footage that could assist with our investigation, then please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4080 of October 20, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here