Shocked Christmas shoppers were among those caught up in a stabbing incident in the centre of Perth.
The attack happened at around 4.40pm yesterday when the city centre was busy with pedestrians and traffic.
A man was the victim of a ”serious assault” with a weapon and was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee by ambulance.
Police officers quickly sealed off a section of High Street above the pedestrianised area and began speaking to passers-by who may have witnessed an altercation.
The High Street between Methven Street and Scott Street was blocked off as the investigation continued.
Police were initially tight-lipped about releasing details of the incident as the inquiry was ”ongoing”.
However, Inspector Neil Anderson later said the man’s injuries were ”not life threatening”.
It is thought the stabbing happened at the Methven Street end of the cordoned-off section and officers could be seen inside business premises taking statements from staff.
As well as taping off the street, two police cars were positioned in Scott Street to prevent pedestrians straying into the crime scene.
A large number of police could be seen combing the sealed-off area and entering High Street closes.
Pubs and restaurants inside the cordon were closed for business once police had spoken to customers and staff.
People spoke of their shock that a city centre street had been the scene of an alleged violent attack.
”I just saw the police arriving in force. I wasn’t sure what had happened,” said one passer-by.
”It must have been serious because of the turnout.
”It is terrible that something like this could happen at this time people were just about to make their way home from work and the streets were busy with shoppers.”