Man accused of trying to murder two police officers in Greenock 'is not well'

A man has appeared in court charged with trying to kill two police officers. William Taylor (43) faced the allegations during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

It is claimed he attempted to murder PC Kenneth MacKenzie (43) at a house in Greenock, Inverclyde on June 1 this year.

Prosecutors allege the officer was punched, pushed and struck repeatedly with a knife.

Taylor is then accused of trying to kill PC Laura Sayer (39) in a similar alleged attack at the same property.

He faces a further charge of assaulting PC Finlay Dobson by attempting to strike him with a knife.

Taylor is also accused of threatening and abusive behaviour and a separate allegation of obstructing police.

His QC Gordon Jackson told the hearing: “Mr Taylor is not well.”

Taylor is currently in the State Hospital at Carstairs.

Both the prosecution and defence agreed that an evidential hearing will be needed, where it is expected a doctor who is treating Taylor will testify.

Judge Lord Boyd continued the case until that hearing set for later this month.