TWO asylum seekers staying at the Holiday Inn Express hotel have been robbed and attacked while out walking in Greenock.

They were approached by two men who stole a two-figure sum of money and then hit one of the victims over the head.

A 29-year-old man was rushed to hospital following the incident on Gibshill Road, close to East Hamilton Street, on Wednesday at 4.30pm.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Young, of Greenock CID, said: "The 29-year-old was out with his friend when they were approached by two people.

"There was an exchange and they were robbed.

"The 29-year-old was then hit on the head with an unknown object and sustained a cut to his head.

"He was taken to hospital and treated for his injuries before being released."

The suspects ran off towards the Riverside Business Park in East Hamilton Street.

One of the men was wearing a black jacket and green jogging bottoms, while the second was dressed all in black.

DS Young added: "We are making a general witness appeal and we are also looking at CCTV footage as well."

The Holiday Inn Express has been requisitioned to house asylum seekers while their claims are processed.

It is part of a contingency arrangement to cope with an increased number of asylum applications, with the Home Office liaising with Inverclyde Council.

Inverclyde Council has put an action plan in place to support the asylum seekers, with the health and social care partnership and third sector group Your Voice helping them.

Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to contact Greeenock CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.