A 40-YEAR-old man suffered horrific injuries in a vicious knife attack in Greenock last night.
He suffered lacerations to his arms and face after being confronted in Arthur Street at around 8.20pm by his attacker.
The victim managed to escape and run off, before being pursued and attacked again by the knife-wielding thug in John Street.
Paramedics from the nearby ambulance depot arrived on the scene to treat him and he was rushed to Inverclyde Royal.
Detective Constable Stuart Young said: "This was a very violent attack. The victim suffered lacerations to an arm and face.
"He managed to escape but was chased and attacked for a second time.
"He was lucky the paramedics were nearby. He has been left with horrific injuries and will be left with permanent scarring. He is in hospital awaiting surgery.
"We are appealing for anyone in the area who may have seen the suspect who was around 5ft 10in and wearing dark clothes."
Anyone who may have information or was in Arthur Street or John Street at the time is urged to contact Greenock CID on 101.