A MURDER bid charge has been levelled against a man arrested over a 2am stabbing in Greenock yesterday.

The 37-year-old accused is due to appear from police custody at the town's sheriff court today.

Detectives had been hunting three men in the wake of an alleged attack on a 29-year-old man in the South Street/Kelly Street area.

The injured man was rushed to hospital and kept in a high dependency unit with a stab wound to his chest.

He is now in a stable condition at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and was said by police this morning to be recovering following surgery.

It had been thought that he was attacked by up to three males following a loud altercation at 2.10am yesterday.

Sergeant Stuart Young, of Greenock CID, said today: "Following enquiries a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder last night.

"He will appear in court today."

Lower South Street was sealed off yesterday morning as police investigated at the scene.

It was cordoned off between the roundabout outside the cemetery up to the junction with Kelly Street.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff has thanked the public for their assistance with the investigation.

He said: "Some form of altercation at 2.10am preceded the stabbing.

"Numerous members of the public called at the time and we appreciate that greatly."

DI Wagstaff said: "We carried out a forensic examination at the scene which caused some disruption and I thank the public for the patience in this regard."