A man was left with serious injuries after being attacked from behind by a metal pole by masked thugs in Bo'ness.
The 20-year-old victim was assaulted in broad daylight at around 5.15pm on Tuesday near to Jessfield Place.
He was on a footpath walking from Linlithgow Road towards the Hillcrest area when he was approached close to a shop.
The victim fell to the ground and sustained serious leg and facial injuries.
He was taken to the Forth Valley Royal Hospital and released following treatment.
The suspects are described as white men and were wearing dark coloured clothing and balaclavas covering their faces.
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Police Scotland are now urging witnesses or anyone with any information which could help with inquiries to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Donald Rodger from Falkirk CID said: “This was an provokes attack on a young man who has sustained serious injuries as a result of this attack.
“The area is largely residential and I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the Hillcrest or Jessfield Place areas in the early evening on Tuesday 30 April, to come forward.
“Equally anyone who may have any information that can help us trace those involved is asked to get in touch with officers as soon as possible.
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“We have had an increase in parole in the local area since the incident and I would advice anyone who witnesses any suspicious behaviour to report this to police via 101.
“In an emergency always dial 999.”
Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3450 of 30 April.
Alternatively a report can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
