POLICE are hunting two masked armed thugs who knifed a dog walker on a Greenock east end street in the early hours of this morning.

The serious assault happened between 1am and 2am on Belville Avenue.

A 43-year-old man was walking his dog where it meets Finnieston Street, when two men exited a silver car and approached him.

They assaulted him with 'a bladed weapon' before fleeing the scene in the vehicle.

The victim was taken by ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley where he received treatment to a serious arm injury.

The first suspect is described as 5ft 11', of stocky build and wearing dark clothing and a face covering.

The second suspect is described as 5ft 8', of skinny build and wearing dark clothing and a face covering.

Detective Constable Lauren Morrison said: “Enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and we would urge anyone who was in the area in the early hours of Saturday morning and saw anything suspicious to please get in touch.

“In particular we would ask anyone who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage which could be of significance to come forward.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0668 of Saturday, 16 December, 2023. Alternatively you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”