A COUPLE are today fighting for their lives in hospital after they were repeatedly stabbed in their home in Greenock's east end.

The 52-year-old man and 37-year-old woman are both in a critical condition following the attempted murder in Belville Street last night.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff of Greenock CID told the Telegraph that they are believed to be the victims of a targeted attack.

Two men burst in to the flat at around 8.45pm and carried out the stabbings before making their escape in a taxi.

DI Wagstaff said: "It was a horrendous and horrific attack. This is a despicable targeted attack on two people.

"They sustained knife injuries to their bodies. Both were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. They are both in high dependency and are described as critical but stable.

"The suspects arrived in a silver coloured taxi and left in the same taxi. They were seen fleeing the flat in a silver coloured taxi.

"They then got out the taxi in Kilmacolm Road, near to Blairmore Road. They were last spotted walking along Kilmacolm Road, going in the general direction of Burnhead Street."

Both suspects were wearing dark clothing and one had a baseball cap on.

Belville Street was sealed off by police following the attack in the red sandstone tenement flats.

The major investigation continues this morning.

DI Wagstaff added: "We thank the public for their patience, we know the road closure is causing a huge disruption in Belville Street."

It is understood the police are following a positive line of inquiry as they hunt the two attackers.