Police officers following ‘positive line of inquiry’ after bottle attack

Detectives investigating a brutal bottle attack in Perth say they are following a “positive line of inquiry”.

An area outside shops in the city’s North Muirton area was sealed off by police after a disturbance in the early hours of Sunday.

The force has now confirmed that two men, aged 19 and 33, suffered facial injuries during the fracas.

Any witnesses to the incident, which happened on Argyll Road just before 1am, have been urged to get in touch.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are investigating an incident in Argyll Road, Perth, in the early hours of Sunday July 1.

“Two men aged 19 and 33 suffered facial injuries after being struck during the incident.

“Officers are following a positive line of inquiry, and we would ask anyone with relevant information to get in touch.”

The victims were understood to be part of a group of about 50 to 60 people who had been celebrating an 18th birthday at the nearby Mallard Bar.

The pub closed at midnight and the party spilled out on to the street.

Neighbours said that the group appeared to be initially in good spirits, but the party turned sour with swearing and raised voices.

A spokesman for the Mallard Bar stressed that the pub was shut when the assault happened.

He said: “We are aware of an incident on Argyll road.

“We were closed at the time of the incident however we will assistPolice Scotlandin whatever way we can with their inquiries.”

Police have carried out doorto-door inquiries at surrounding homes, including blocks of flats which overlook the crime scene.

CCTV from local businesses and properties is being checked.