A man has been left seriously injured after being jumped by an armed gang as he stepped out of his car.

The pre-planned attack happened on William Street in Hamilton at 10.40pm on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old got out of his vehicle before being assaulted by three men who were armed with weapons.

The man was taken to Hairmyres Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The gang were all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Inspector Alan MacDonald said: "This was an incredibly violent and sustained attack which has caused serious life changing injuries to who we believe was the intended target.

"Nobody deserves to be attacked in this way and officers are currently going through CCTV and speaking to those in the local community to identify those responsible.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in that area of Hamilton last night who may have seen or heard something out of the ordinary. Any small piece of information could help us.

"Think back, did you see three men hanging around the area? William Street is a dead end and therefore they must have entered and exited the same way. We urge you to think back and get in contact."