Lawyer injured in knife attack outside Glasgow Sheriff Court

A lawyer has been left scarred for life after he was slashed outside court in a targeted attack, police have said.

The 63-year-old man was walking near Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday when his attacker came up behind him and knifed him in the face and body.

He is being treated at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he has undergone surgery and is in a serious but stable condition.

Police officers have been carrying out door to door inquiries and checking CCTV footage after the attack at around 6.30pm on Carlton Place.

They are hunting for a man aged around 30, described as skinny with a gaunt appearance, who was wearing a grey hooded top.

After the attack he got into a white saloon car and sped off down Carlton Place, onto South Portland Street and in the direction of Ballater Street.

Detective Inspector John Morrison said: "This was frankly a terrifying incident for the victim who was simply walking with his colleague when he was attacked.

"Our enquiries so far have revealed that the victim was the intended target, therefore this was not carried out at random.

"Nevertheless, it does not make it any less serious. The victim sustained very serious injuries in the attack and as a result, he will be left scarred for life.

"It is important that we trace the person responsible as soon as possible. He is dangerous and must be caught.

"Indiscriminate acts of violence such as this will not be tolerated. We would ask that anyone who may have witnessed the attack, or who may have any information which could assist with our enquiries to contact police as a matter of urgency.''

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101