A YOUNG woman had to be taken to hospital after she was battered by a thug in an unprovoked attack during a night out.

The 19-year-old victim had left the Victoria Bar, in Paisley Road, Renfrew, at around 10pm last night and crossed over to a nearby bus stop when she was approached by a man and seriously assaulted.

She was taken to Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital for treatment to a facial injury.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20s, around 6ft tall, slim and with short, dark hair. At the time, he was wearing a light-coloured top.

Police have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and collecting CCTV footage from the area in a bid to trace the violent yob.

Detective Constable Louise Kane said: “At this stage, we do not know the motivation for this attack but it does appear to be unprovoked and has left a young woman with a facial injury.

"It’s possible there were other people in the area at the time of the incident who perhaps witnessed the attack and I would urge people to get in touch and pass on any information.”

If you can help officers with their investigation, call Paisley Police Office on 101. Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given anonymously.