A MAN who was ‘run over and butchered’ by a machete maniac in a targeted attack has been named by police.
Michael Beaton, 35, was brutally assaulted in Greenock on Sunday night and died shortly after being taken to hospital.
It’s thought he was floored by a motor before being hit across the face, neck and leg with a bladed weapon.
Mr Beaton was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow but couldn’t be saved.
Officers from Police Scotland’s major investigation team flooded the area this earlier today to try and establish the chain of events that led to the tragedy.
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St Patrick’s Primary School within the police cordon was forced to close for the day as detectives and forensic officers carried out inquiries with evidence markers seen dotted along the street.
A local said: “The guy was hit with a car then hit with a machete - he had no chance.
“He was taken to hospital but we heard he was effectively left to die on the street.
“It’s a shocking thing to happen.”
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.”
