Boardwalk Empire star Steve Buscemi is punched in the face in a random attack in NYC

Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been punched in the face in a random attack on the streets of New York City.

Buscemi, 66, was strolling along Third Avenue near East 27th Street in Kips Bay, in eastern Manhattan, at 11.48am on Wednesday, police said.

The man walked up to the Brooklyn local and suddenly attacked him outside 369 Third Avenue, the fled. He has not yet been caught.

Buscemi was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated for bruising, swelling, and bleeding to his left eye.

'Steve Buscemi was assaulted in Mid-Town Manhattan, another victim of a random act of violence in the city,' his publicist said. 

'He is OK and appreciates everyone's well wishes, though incredibly sad for everyone that this has happened to while also walking the streets of NY.'

Police released a surveillance image of the alleged attacker, dark baseball hat, blue T-shirt, black pants, and white sneakers.

Buscemi grew up in NYC and was a firefighter in Brooklyn before he quit in the 1980s to pursue an acting career. 

He returned to his old firehouse hours after the September 11 attacks and stayed at the World Trade Center site for days, sifting through rubble.