Police treat 'vicious' daylight attack in Greenock as attempted murder

A man is in a critical condition in hospital after what police say is a shocking daylight attack with a knife in Greenock.

The 20-year-old was walking in Union Street around 3.40pm with three of his friends when he was attacked by a man with a large bladed weapon.

He suffered significant injuries and is being treated at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

His three friends, aged 19, 20 and 31 years, were not injured.

The suspect is described as white, in his 20s, with a tanned complexion and wearing dark clothing. He ran off after the attack through the church and in to Nelson Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Fil Capaldi, Paisley CID, said:

''Although we believe this to be a targeted attack, it was shocking in its viciousness and the fact that it took place in the middle of the afternoon in a very busy thoroughfare in the centre of Greenock.

Officers have been checking CCTV and are in the area at the moment and we would appeal to anyone who was there yesterday or who has any information that will assist officers with their enquiries, to come forward.

Information can be passed to the CID at Greenock Police Station via 101. Please quote incdeint number 2862 9 June 2018 when calling. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.''