A man was assaulted by a knife-wielding stranger while walking his dog in a Dunfermline park.
The 30-year was struck in the attack on Sunday morning and sustained minor injuries.
Police are hunting the assailant, who was carrying the weapon.
They dispelled rumours that the victim, who did not require medical treatment, was stabbed.
The victim was walking on a public footpath to the north of Duloch Park at around 10.15am when he was approached by the attacker.
The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall, with brown stubble. He was wearing a black hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms.
Police Scotland has urged anyone in the area at the time who saw a male fitting the description to get in touch.
Detective Constable Alasdair Young, of Dunfermline CID, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who was in the area around that time.
“We’re particularly keen to speak to a couple who spoke to the victim shortly after the incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
