A TEENAGE boy has been 'viciously' attacked in broad daylight in Port Glasgow this afternoon.

The 15-year-old was rushed to hospital after he was set upon by three males at about 1.15pm in Mossyde Avenue.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff of Greenock CID is treating the incident as a serious assault and he has issued an urgent appeal for witnesses.

He said: "A 15-year-old boy has been viciously attacked by, we believe, three males who assaulted him in the street in broad daylight.

"We believe the boy was chased from Marloch Avenue into Mossyde Avenue, where he was knocked to the ground and struck to the arms and hand with a machete or knife.

"The boy has been taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital where his injuries are being assessed.

"He may have to be transferred to another hospital for more specialist treatment for the injuries to his hand and arms."

DI Wagstaff believes the attackers left the scene in a car.

He added: "We believe they got back into a motor vehicle, possibly a silver Vauxhall Astra, and drove off into Kilmacolm Road in Port Glasgow.

"We are appealing for anybody who has witnessed this vicious attack or anyone who saw the car to contact us immediately.

"Phone Greenock CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."