POLICE are treating the allegedly stabbing of an employee at a Greenock housing association office as attempted murder.

The shocking alleged attack happened at around 11.30am on Monday morning at the River Clyde Homes office in Clyde Square.

A 53-year-old man was detained to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court.

Onlookers told the Telegraph that they heard 'a woman scream' before police and paramedics arrived at the scene.

The victim was rushed to hospital where she is receiving treatment while the housing association immediately closed their two public offices.

A spokesperson from River Clyde Homes said yesterday afternoon: "We can confirm that an incident took place at our offices in Greenock and an employee is in hospital receiving treatment.

"Our priority is ensuring the full recovery of our colleague and supporting the safety of all of our staff and customers.

“We are currently working with the police to support their investigation and would encourage anyone with any information to come forward and speak to the police.

“As a precaution and to support our front facing colleagues, our two public offices in Greenock town centre and in Broomhill were closed.

“Any customers wishing to contact our service should get in touch with us at our headquarters in Roxburgh House.”

One woman, who was sitting in Clyde Square at the time, told the Tele how she heard the victim's screams.

She said: "I had decided to sit on a bench for a wee while before going for lunch.

"The door of the office opened and that's when I heard a female screaming and there was a quite a commotion.

"Somebody said that a worker had been stabbed and the police arrived very quickly."