A 26-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly slashing a stranger across the face with a sharp object in a random attack in Malaga.

The victim suffered an 18cm wound stretching across his face and neck after being attacked from behind while sitting on a bench on Calle Cristo de la Epidemia at around 11.30pm on June 24.

Moments earlier, according to the Policia Nacional, the suspect had tried to snatch a gold chain from a woman before being chased away by her husband.

Investigators say the victim was sitting alone when the attacker approached from behind without warning.

He allegedly grabbed the man by the neck with one hand before using a sharp object to slash his face.

The victim required numerous stitches to treat the deep facial and neck injuries.

Officers identified the suspect through CCTV footage, witness statements and other investigative work before locating and arresting him on Avenida de América in Malaga on Tuesday.

Police say the suspect has a history of violent offending and is also being investigated for robbery with violence.

He had previously been arrested in Alicante in February over a similar alleged assault in which another victim was reportedly slashed across the face with what investigators believe was a razor blade.

In both cases, police say the victims told officers they had never met the attacker before and had no prior dispute or connection with him.

The suspect has now been handed over to the investigating court in Malaga, where he faces allegations of causing serious injuries and robbery with violence.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.