POLICE are today investigating two separate late night Christmas Eve stabbings in Inverclyde.

The first took place in Weir Street in the east end of Greenock at 10pm.

Detective Sergeant Neil Martin said: "There was a disturbance involving two males and a female and the male, 38, sustained several puncture wounds to his abdominal area.

"He was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital and later released. The disturbance spilt out into the close and then the roadway and we are appealing for witnesses who may have seen or heard anything.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly how the male came by these injuries."

The second incident - described as a 'targeted attack' - involved two men and a woman at a flat in Gourock's Shore Street at 11.30pm and it has left a woman in hospital.

DS Martin said: "A 23-year-old female sustained two puncture wounds to her abdomen and was conveyed to Inverclyde Royal for treatment and kept in for observation. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. One of the males sustained a head injury."

Police say they are following a positive line of inquiry but want to hear from anyone who may have information.

Witnesses are asked to contact Greenock CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.