Gang brawl leaves man critically injured in hospital

A YOUNG man was in critical condition in hospital yesterday following a brawl involving around 20 men and women armed with baseball bats and shovels.

The disturbance happened at about 2.30am on Boxing Day on Hogganfield Street in the Blackhill area of Glasgow.

Police believe the fight was between rival gangs in the area.

A 21-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where staff described his condition as critical.

Strathclyde Police are treating the incident as attempted murder and appealed for information.

Detective Sergeant John Semple said: "We believe that the fight was between rival gangs in the area and involved up to 20 people, both men and women, fighting with baseball bats and shovels.

"We received numerous calls about the disturbance so there are plenty people out there who will have information as to who was there, who was responsible and can give at least some details as to what actually happened."

A 47-year-old man was stabbed in the chest in a separate incident in Port Glasgow, police said.

He was found seriously injured at 28 King Street in the early hours of Sunday.

The man was taken by ambulance to Inverclyde Royal Infirmary and treated for stab wounds to his chest and injuries to his face.

Police said he was in a "stable" condition and they were treating the incident as attempted murder.

The man was in the Comet Bar in nearby Scarlow Street before the attack.