POLICE have this evening launched a murder inquiry after a man was mown down by a vehicle on a Greenock street then brutally attacked with a blade.

Officers have named the victim as local man Michael Beaton, 35.

He was found with serious injuries in Drumfrochar Road around 7.20pm last night and rushed by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

Medics could not save him and he died a few hours later.

His death was initially being treated as unexplained as a full-scale probe got under way.

It saw a large police cordon established at the scene, with parts of Drumfrochar Road and Cornhaddock Street both sealed off.

Forensics officers were also in attendance combing for clues.

Officers have revealed that Mr Beaton was 'struck by a light-coloured vehicle and then attacked with a bladed weapon'.

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, from the Major Investigations Team (West), said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident however we do not believe that this was a random attack.

“This was an extremely violent attack which has shocked the local community and caused disruption to their daily routines whilst we carry out our forensic enquiries.

“I’d like to assure the people living in the area that we are doing everything we can to trace the person or persons responsible for this shocking incident and that there will be an increased police presence in the area.

“Anyone who witnessed the attack, saw any suspicious individuals or vehicles in or around the area, or has any other information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact police immediately.

"I’d also like people to check their dashcam and Ring doorbell footage in case they have captured something on it which could be vital to our inquiry.”

St Patrick's Primary School, which was closed today due to being within the cordon area, will remain shut tomorrow.

Inverclyde Council advised parents that the same contingency arrangements will be in place, with pupils going to Whinhill Primary and Notre Dame instead.

Meanwhile police have set up an online portal as they appeal to the public for information.

It gives people access to a form to send information directly to the inquiry team and can be found at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S42-PO1

Alternatively, anyone with information can contact police via 101 quoting incident number 2790 of 26 November, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.