A man has been seriously injured by an attacker dressed as The Joker from Batman.

The 20-year-old victim had to be treated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after the unprovoked attack on Langstane Place near Bon Accord Street in Aberdeen.

He was assaulted by a man in his 20s at about 11.30pm on Saturday.

The attacker was wearing The Joker costume and was about 5ft 10in to 5ft 11in and of stocky build.

He was wearing white face-paint including a lipstick smile along his cheeks and switched between having dyed green curly hair and wearing a long black curly wig.

The man was dressed in a purple suit jacket and trousers, a white shirt and black shoes.

He is believed to have entered the city centre from the Rosemount at around 8pm with two other men - one dressed in a black cape and the other a grey boiler-suit with a mask and wig.

The trio then headed to a bar on Belmont Street.

The same man tried to fight with other people in the Langstane Place as well as outside a fast food restaurant across from St Nicholas Cemetery.

Police constable Eamonn Ryan, who is leading the investigation, said: "I appreciate the bizarre circumstances surrounding this incident, however, the reality is this person carried out a brutal, unprovoked attack on a member of the public and they need to be held accountable for their actions.

"Just one punch can have fatal consequences and I don't think I need to stress that violent behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

"It is extremely disappointing that what was meant to be a night of fun has resulted in a person being seriously injured and we need the public's help to trace this person. "

He added: "I would urge anyone with information to please contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1242 of October 29 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous."