Detectives in Fife are hunting a man who launched a vicious attack on a 26-year-old woman in Methil just to rob her of her handbag.

The victim had to be treated in hospital after the thief hit her over the head then dragged her into bushes on Methilhaven Road on Sunday night.

The incident happened at around 11.15pm as she was walked towards a local garage.

Detective Inspector Jim McPherson of Fife Constabulary said: "These are not everyday occurrences, and we have this cowardly individual who has attacked this woman who was walking from Methil to Leven on Methilhaven Road.

"She has been approached from the rear and struck to the back of her head and has been taken into some nearby bushes."

Det Insp McPherson continued: "She's come to and been able to recover her mobile phone and contacted the police.

"We are really concerned about this individual and we would like to trace him as soon as possible."

Fife police said the woman was unable to describe the assailant because she was struck from behind.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.