A VULNERABLE Largs man was violently assaulted during a cowardly unprovoked attack in Largs town centre.

Iain McCallum was at the bus shelter area in Gallowgate Street in Largs when he was brutally set upon by an individual dressed all in black.

Iain, who suffered a massive stroke as a teenager, was rushed to Inverclyde Royal Hospital after being found lying in the street.

He was found to have suffered a broken cheekbone, as well as serious facial, arm and leg injuries.

The incident happened at around 12.15am last Tuesday.

Iain's devastated mum is urging anyone who may have information to come forward.

Grace McLean, a former Largs councillor, said: "Iain is still numb and can't feel his fingers. He has no feeling in his arm and is currently waiting for a MRI scan to see if there is any lasting damage.

"He was traumatised by what happened. It was completely unprovoked.

"Detectives are classing it as serious assault due to the severity of the injuries my son has sustained.

"To beat someone up who already clearly has a disability is beyond cruel."

The 46-year-old was set upon while waiting at the bus shelter in Gallowgate Street. His assailant asked him for a cigarette then punched and kicked him for no reason.

Iain, who has speech and language problems, works at Inverclyde Sports Centre helping sports groups with equipment.

He is well known in the community and a popular figure in the pubs around town.

Grace, 71, said: "I just can't understand why anyone would stoop so low to do such a thing. It's absolutely horrific.

"Someone must know something. Perhaps his attacker lives with someone and came home covered in blood. If so, please speak out. The police are treating this very seriously."

Town councillor Alex Gallagher is calling for a meeting with Police Scotland to address the recent spike locally in violent attacks.

He said: " I have been disturbed at the reports of a number of recent unprovoked serious assaults in Largs.

"I need reassurance that the situation is receiving the focus it deserves by the relevant authorities.

"I am requesting a meeting with our police representatives to discuss this particular crime and to ask what can be done to prevent future assaults of this nature."

The suspect is described as white, aged between 18 and 30 years, of slim build and around 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Fraser Murray, of Saltcoats CID, said: "Officers have been carrying our enquiries since this attack but are now appealing to anyone who was in the area at this time to get in touch.

"Although it happened in the early hours of the morning, the pubs in the area were a bit busier than usual as earlier in the night there had been football on the TV. I am sure as this was just after midnight and spilling out time, people may have seen the attack or have information that will assist our enquiries.

"Information can be passed to officers at Saltcoats CID via 101. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."