Appeal after double stabbing in Motherwell

Feb 24 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

TWO men were the victims of a brutal stabbing which occurred in Motherwell during the early hours of Monday morning.

The friends were walking along Shields Drive, near Valley View, at 3am on February 20 when they were attacked by a group of approximately 10 men and women.

One of the men was assaulted, beaten and stabbed in the stomach and hand in what police are calling an “unprovoked attack.”

The victim also received cuts to his head, plus a broken nose and cheek bone.

The second man was chased by three men from the group, as he tried to help his friend. He was stabbed on the abdomen.

The attackers then fled into nearby woodland.

Neighbours in Shields Drive were disturbed by the commotion and called police.

Both men received treatment at Wishaw General Hospital and their condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

Police have said one of the suspects was wearing a black, white and silver shirt and cap. A female in the group was holding a blue jacket.

DC McCann, who is appealing for witnesses, said: “This is a particularly violent assault. Two people have been stabbed in an apparently unprovoked attack. One man has been attacked for coming to the aid of his friend who had already been violently beaten and stabbed. The commotion was sufficient to draw the attention of several residents.

“I would ask anyone who saw something suspicious or who witnessed any part of the incident to phone police on 01698 48 3000 and leave information or ask to speak to CID. You can remain completely anonymous by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They will not ask your name or trace your call."

l This double knife attack comes just three weeks after Blantyre teenager Reamonn Gormley was tragically stabbed to death as he walked home with a pal after watching a football match.