DETECTIVES are probing a murder bid after a van driver mounted the pavement and knocked a man down.

The 35-year-old victim was walking on a footpath with two friends on Inverkip Road in Greenock at around 4pm yesterday when the vehicle drove at him.

He was knocked to the ground but escaped unscathed.

Detective Sergeant Gary Sergeant, of Greenock CID, said: "Near to the junction 119 and 133 Inverkip road close to the Jet Car Wash, a grey van mounted the pavement and struck a male walking on the footpath.

" He was knocked to the ground but wasn't injured. He managed to stand up and the vehicle drove off.

" It is being treated as an attempted murder."

Police are are keen to speak to a man who spoke to the victim.

He came out of another car that was close by.

The only description of the suspect is that he is between 30 and 40 years of age.

Anyone with information should call Greenock CID, on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.