Tayside Police have moved to allay public fears in the wake of two violent incidents in the centre of Perth in less than 24 hours.
On Sunday evening, a 20-year-old man sustained injuries as a result of a suspected stabbing in the town’s County Place. A 33-year-old man then sustained a suspected stab wound and head injuries following a second assault on Monday evening.
Detective officers confirmed the inquiry team is pursuing the theory that the attacks were not random incidents and have sought to reassure the community in terms of their safety.
Police are now scouring CCTV footage in a bid to trace those responsible for Monday’s attack, which took place at a number of locations in Perth. It is understood the victim was chased through the streets before he collapsed injured before shoppers in the High Street.
The emergency services were called to the scene and the casualty was taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital. He was detained overnight as a precaution before being discharged on Tuesday morning.
The shocking attack took place in the city centre area shortly before 4pm on Monday. It involved the victim and three other men and is understood to have started in an alley between High Street and Scott Street.
From there the attack continued into the Scott Street car park, before the victim eventually fell to the ground a short distance away, near the Primark store.
The victim’s flight took him through a significant stretch of the town centre and left a trail of blood through the St John’s Shopping Centre.
The multi-location nature of the assault quickly gave rise to incorrect speculation on Twitter and Facebook that there had been more than one assault.
As a result, a spokesman for Tayside Police moved quickly to clear up any misunderstandings and assure the public that Perth remains a safe place.
”Officers are conducting inquiries in the local area and carrying out a review of both public and private CCTV. We have also taken advantage of all forensic opportunities.
“This type of incident rightly concerns us all but we are following certain lines of inquiry and officers are working on the theory that this was not a random attack.
”In appealing for any witnesses to come forward, if they have not already spoken with the police, we want to stress that crimes of this nature are rare and that Perth remains a safe place to live, work and socialise.
”We are confident that there are people who know who was responsible for this assault and we would appeal to them to help us bring them to justice.”
Officers want to trace the three men seen running from the area following the attack. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who knows any of those involved is asked to contact the Tayside Police non-emergency line on 0300 1112222.