DETECTIVES are today hunting three knife-carrying men in a stolen car who targeted a house in Branchton last night.

The suspects turned up at the property looking for a 'named individual' before smashing a window and speeding off.

The black-coloured stolen Vauxhall Corsa they were in — registration DW19 UOH — was later involved in a police pursuit.

Officers in two vehicles stopped the car on Kilmacolm Road but the Corsa reversed into both before speeding off.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff, of Greenock CID, is today appealing for information from the public as a matter of urgency.

DI Wagstaff said: "There was a disturbance at 7.40pm last night at an address on Branchton Road whereby three males attended and knocked the front door looking for a named individual.

"When told that this person was not there they attacked the property, smashing a window.

"They were seen to be in possession of knives.

"The male householder went outside to confront the males who sped off in a black-coloured Vauxhall Corsa."

DI Wagstaff added: "The same vehicle was later involved in a police pursuit and was stopped on Kilmacolm Road.

"It was reversed into two police vehicles before being driven off.

"The vehicle was stolen earlier this year from the Dunbar area.

"It will now have collision damage to its rear."

Information should be passed to the police through the 101 number, or anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.