An investigative journalist in the Russian city of Saratov has been severely beaten by unknown assailants.

Police in the Volga River city say Aleksandr Krutov, who writes about crime for the local magazine "Obshchestvennoye Mneniye" (Public Opinion), was attacked by two men on August 26 when leaving his apartment.

The attackers beat Krutov with a metal bar and he was hospitalized with bruises and concussion.

It was the fourth attack on Krutov in his 20-year journalistic career in Saratov.

He is well known for his investigative reporting and has won several awards.

His colleagues say the attack was most likely linked to his work.

Attacks on Russian journalists who cover crime and corruption are relatively common, particular in the provinces, and the perpetrators are rarely brought to justice.

Based on reporting by Interfax and RIA Novosti