Actor Steve Buscemi punched in random New York attack

Actor Steve Buscemi was injured in a random attack by a passer-by in New York City, his publicist said.

The star of Boardwalk Empire and Reservoir Dogs needed hospital treatment to his face after a "random act of violence" in Manhattan, his representative revealed on Sunday.

Police said they responded to a 911 call on Wednesday morning about a 66-year-old man being punched in the face.

The suspect has been unidentified but police have a description.

He was wearing a dark-coloured baseball cap, blue T-shirt, black trousers and white trainers and was carrying a bookbag.

The assault happened in Midtown at around 11:48 ET (15:48 GMT) on 8 May near 369 Third Ave, police said.

The victim, who police declined to name, was taken to Bellevue Hospital in a stable condition for treatment of bruising, swelling and bleeding to his left eye.

Buscemi's identity was confirmed by his publicist.

"Steve Buscemi was... another victim of a random act of violence in the city," the statement read.

"He is OK and appreciates everyone's well wishes, though incredibly sad for everyone that this has happened to [him] while also walking the streets of New York."

One witness told the New York Post he saw the actor seem to "trip and fall backwards" in the assault before he got up and ran off.

Buscemi is a New Yorker who once worked for New York Fire Department.

His portrayal of a corrupt Atlantic City politician leading a double life during Prohibition in the hit HBO series Boardwalk Empire won him a Golden Globe award.