A man was slashed in the neck during a violent robbery as he walked to his girlfriend's home.

The 39-year-old victim was targeted by a hooded man in Greenock, Inverclyde, at around 7pm on Thursday after leaving his home.

Detectives described the incident as a "horrific and unprovoked attack" on a man who was "minding his own business" and has now been left with a very serious neck injury.

He was knifed in the neck on the stairs of a footpath linking Inverkip Road to Pennyfern Road by the thief, who made off with his wallet and phone.

The injured man walked a short distance before collapsing in the street and being found by a passer-by who called an ambulance.

He remains in hospital and detectives have now launched a major investigation into the incident as they appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective inspector David Wagstaff, at Greenock CID, said: "This was a horrific and unprovoked attack on a man who was minding his own business and has been left with a very serious neck injury.

"I have a dedicated team working to identify the culprit responsible for this violent attack but they need the assistance of the local community who may be able to provide vital information in tracking him down.

"I appeal to anyone who saw a man hanging around the area prior to this incident taking place or running off afterwards or anyone who perhaps even witnessed the attack itself to contact police urgently."

He added: "Can I also ask anyone who was driving past and has a dashcam camera to check the footage as they may have captured the attack or the suspect in the area? If so, please contact police immediately."

"There will be additional officers in the area and I urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to these officers."

Additionally anyone with information can contact CID at Greenock via 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.