'Unknown substance' thrown in man's face in attempted murder bid

Detectives have launched an attempted murder inquiry after a man had a substance thrown in his face in South Lanarkshire.

Police said the 67-year-old man had the “unknown substance” thrown on his face by two men at a property in Machanhill, Larkhall on Friday around 11.25pm leaving him seriously injured.

The suspects ran off in the direction of Field Road and were last seen walking on Hareleeshill Road, towards John Street.

The victim was taken to University Hospital Wishaw where he is still being treated for serious injuries.

Detectives are urging the public to get in touch if they have any information that could help them in their investigation.

One suspect is described as wearing a dark coloured medium-length jacket, with white trainers and carrying a white carrier bag. He had a hood up but it’s not clear if the hood belonged to the jacket or if he was wearing a hooded top.

The other suspect was described as being dressed all in black, with his hood up. One of the suspects is thought to have been wearing a surgical type face mask.

Detective inspector Susie Cairns said: “We are working to establish the full circumstances of this attack and the reason for it.

“A man has been left seriously injured and it’s imperative we trace the men responsible. I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to contact us with any information.

“We know the suspects were walking up Hareleeshill Road towards John Street so I would ask any motorists with dash cams who were in those locations to check the footage and pass on any images which could assist our ongoing investigation.

“All information is vital as we piece together the motive for this attack.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 4302 of 11 February, 2022. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where your information can be given anonymously.