POLICE say the man rushed to hospital following an attempted murder in Greenock is fighting for his life.

The 20 year old was set upon at 3.40pm yesterday afternoon, when he was with three friends in Union Street.

He was attacked by a man armed with a ‘large bladed weapon’.

He sustained significant injuries and was taken by ambulance to Inverclyde Royal.

Due to the severity of his injuries, he has since been transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where medical staff describe his condition as critical.

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.

Officers state 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 incident number 2862, 9 June 2018 when calling. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”