A council worker had hot coffee thrown at her in an unprovoked attack.
The shocking incident took place on Wednesday at 3.45pm when the 42-year-old local authority employee was assaulted by a woman in the public toilet in Ropemakers Close, Perth.
Police are investigating the assault and have issued an appeal for information.
The council employee was not hurt in the incident but one of her colleagues described how it took place.
“My colleague was working yesterday when the woman came into the toilets,” she said.
“She was concerned about the woman’s activities and followed her in to see what she was doing. As she approached her, the woman threw a cup of hot coffee at her.
“The woman then ran off and police were called.”
A woman, who lives near the scene but wished to remain anonymous, claimed the area was plagued with problems.
“These toilets are regularly used by people for taking drugs,” she said.
“The neighbours hear and see all sorts of things at different times.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed the incident is being investigated.
She said: “Police Scotland is making inquiries following an assault within the public toilets at Ropemakers Close, Perth, which happened at around 3.45pm on Wednesday.
“The victim, a 42-year-old woman, was unhurt in the incident.
“Police are keen to trace a woman of heavy build wearing dark-coloured leggings in connection with the assault.”
Anyone with information on the incident should contact Police Scotland on 101, or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.