POLICE have launched a major investigation following a serious assault in Greenock in the early hours of this morning.

Officers say they are searching for a man who was the victim of an attack in Brachelston Street.

Greenock CID are also 'keen to trace' the two males and a female who were involved in the attack, which happened at 3.50am.

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Police had received reports of a man standing at the junction of Brachelston Street and Murdieston Street, looking like he may have been waiting for a lift.

The person who reported the incident heard a person shouting, urging someone to get into a van.

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They saw a white-coloured vehicle, similar to a Ford Transit-style van, parked where the man at the corner was standing.

He was assaulted and punched and ended up on the ground, where he was again struck several times by another male.

The blows were allegedly thrown by a six foot white male wearing dark clothing.

Police say two further people kept lookout while the incident was taking place - a male with light brown cropped hair wearing a dark jacket and trousers, and a female of stocky build, aged around 30, with wavy, fair hair.

The van was last seen driving up Murdieston Street and turning left onto Wellington Street.

Officers are keen to identify the person who was assaulted and the people involved in carrying out the attack.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff said: “We are keen for the man who was assaulted to contact the police to ensure his wellbeing.

“He may have ran away from the scene or gone into the van. We would urge the victim to get in contact with us.

“We’re also appealing for anyone who saw a white van in that area around that time.

“Furthermore, we would urge anyone driving in that location who has dashcam footage to review it and contact us if there is anything of note.”

The area has been cordoned off pending forensic examination.

Officers will also be conducting door-to-door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage in the area.

Anyone with information should call 101.