Police have released photos of a man wanted in connection to an investigation in which a man was randomly attacked in downtown Ottawa by a man wielding a hammer.

A 53-year-old man was walking on Somerset Street West, just west of Bank Street, just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was attacked, Ottawa police said.

The suspect fled west on foot after the attack and no arrests have yet been made.

Two people witnessed the attack and rushed to the victim's aid. He was taken to The Ottawa Hospital with facial and head injuries, which, while serious, were not considered life-threatening.

On Thursday police released images of a suspect in the hopes of identifying him.

The suspect is described as a white man, about six feet two inches tall and weighing 240 pounds. He was described as having a "scruffy" appearance, and he was wearing a dark jacket and a dark tuque. He was also carrying a bag, as well as a large kitchen knife in a plastic package.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the central district investigations unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5166.