A MAN who tackled an armed break-in thief was slashed on his face and leg.
The 37-year-old was visiting a relative when he heard a disturbance and saw that the garden shed was being targeted.
He challenged and chased the thief but was seriously assaulted by him.
The incident, at Manor Crescent in Gourock, occurred around 10.30pm on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector David Wagstaff, of Greenock CID, said: "The man had been visiting a family member when he was disturbed by the presence of someone in his relative's shed.
"He challenged the male, who had stolen a bike and jumped a fence, and then pursued him.
"The man was struck to his face and leg with possibly a pointed knuckleduster-type weapon.
"The bike was recovered from nearby woods."
The attacker is described as being 6ft tall and was wearing a grey hoodie and dark trousers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here