Man in hospital after attempted murder behind flats in Hilton area of Inverness

A man is in hospital after an attempted murder at the back of a block of flats in an Inverness housing estate.

Officers were called to the scene at Esk Road in the Hilton area at around 1.25pm on Thursday.

A 31-year-old man was found seriously injured and taken by ambulance to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where he remains for treatment. Medical staff have described his condition as stable.

Investigators believe that at least one man carried out the attack and was seen fleeing the scene on CCTV through the housing estate towards Mackay Road.

He has been described as white, in his early 20s, with short red or fair hair and a skinny build, and was wearing dark clothing.

Detective chief inspector Mark Czerniakiewicz, Police Scotland, said: “From our enquiries so far, we believe there was a disturbance to the rear of flats on Esk Road where the injured man was attacked by at least one other man which resulted in him being seriously injured.

“The suspect for the attack is described as white, in his early 20s, has short red or fair hair, is of skinny build, and was wearing dark clothing. He was seen afterwards on CCTV running from Esk Road through the housing estate towards Mackay Road.

“This happened in the early afternoon and I am sure someone from this largely residential area would have either seen or heard what happened.

“It is imperative that we catch the man responsible for this attempted murder. Officers will be in the area today and I would urge people to approach them with any information they believe may assist our investigation or to call police via 101 quoting reference number 1725 of Thursday, July 28. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”