A Scottish tourist wearing a Muslim hijab was set on fire in New York.

The 35-year-old woman was targeted in the street outside a store in the US city while shopping on Saturday evening.

She was standing outside a boutique on Fifth Avenue when she felt something hot on her arm and noticed her blouse was on fire.

The victim, who had the traditional Muslim wear on, put out the fire then noticed a man next to her holding a lighter. He fled the scene.

The Scot then went to police but refused medical treatment. Officers from the NYPD hate crime unit are investigating the incident and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are in contact with local authorities following this incident, and have offered our support."

NYPD confirmed to STV News that the woman is Scottish and said in a statement: "The New York City Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with an assault that occurred within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct.

"It was reported to police that on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 8.58pm police had a pick-up of an assault in front of a commercial establishment (Valentino) located at 693 Fifth Avenue.

"The victim, a 35-year-old female, informed police that she was walking on the sidewalk when she felt something warm on her left arm and noticed her blouse was on fire.

"She patted out the fire and observed a male standing next to her with a lighter in his hand. The unknown male then proceeded to walk eastbound on East 54 Street.

"The victim refused medical attention at the scene. The NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman added: "This must have been a very frightening incident. "The Scottish Government condemns all hate crime and hopes anyone with information about this assault contacts the NYPD."