Two police officers 'stabbed' in Greenock are both in serious condition

Colleagues line up to pay tribute to pair’s bravery as 43-year-old man is arrested in connection with attack

Forensics officers at the scene of the attack in Greenock on 1 June (PA)

Two police officers have been left with serious injuries after reportedly being stabbed while on duty in Greenock.

Officers had been called to an address in Gateside Gardens, in the southwest of the town, at around 8.45am on Friday to support emergency service colleagues, Police Scotland said.

The two victims, a male and female officer, have since been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, where they remain in a serious condition.

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being assessed at a local hospital.

Colleagues have been quick to hail the courage of the injured officers.

“I would like to take this opportunity to public praise the incredible bravery shown by these two officers during the extremely difficult and challenging situation they faced this morning,” said Police Scotland acting chief constable Bernard Higgins.

“They have been seriously injured going about their daily duties and both they and their colleagues have demonstrated courage and the utmost professionalism both during and after this incident.”

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “My thoughts and best wishes for a full recovery are with the two police officers injured on duty in Greenock today.

“This is a reminder of the vital but often dangerous job our police men and women do, and what a huge debt of gratitude we owe to them.”

Gateside Gardens remained cordoned on Friday as forensics officers conducted investigations in the area.

Police said the incident was not being treated as terror-related and there was no risk to the wider public.

“Our thoughts are with the injured officers and their families. Once again we see how difficult and dangerous a job it is,” said Andrea MacDonald, chair of the Scottish Police Federation.

“Police officers put themselves between other professionals and the public and dangerous individuals, sometimes with life changing consequences for themselves and their families.

“We wish our colleagues a speedy and full recovery.”