Man in court on murder bid charge

A man has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged knife attack in a Perthshire town.

Three people were taken to hospital after a disturbance at house in Auchterarder on Friday night.

Neighbours said there was a large police presence in Sydney Crescent for most of the weekend.

Yesterday Stephen Bertie appeared at Perth Sheriff Court in connection with the incident.

He faces allegations that he tried to murder James Irvine by repeatedly striking him with a knife – or similar weapon – to his severe injury and to the danger of his life.

It is further alleged that Bertie, 29, attacked Marion Irvine and Stewart Henderson and struck them with some kind of blade to their injury and disfigurement.

Bertie, from Auchterarder, is also accused of stealing a mobile phone and bottle of alcohol.

It is alleged that at Perth Police Station, he assaulted Sergeant Ian Lennox and spat in his face.

It is further alleged that, at Sydney Crescent, he resisted, obstructed and hindered three constables and tried to push past them to enter a crime scene.

Bertie is also accused of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause fear or alarm by shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence.

He made no plea before Sheriff Lindsay Foulis and was remanded in custody.

Neighbours said emergency services were called to the street at around 7pm.

Police confirmed that three people – two men, aged 32 and 33, and a 34-year-old woman – were taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

A force spokesman said their injuries were not believed to be life threatening.