A MURDER accused used a sword to inflict fatal injuries on a man during a violent late night disturbance in Larkfield, it is alleged.

Gerard Turner, 46, is said to have struck Joseph Lee Elliot repeatedly on the body with a large bladed weapon at Angus Road.

Turner, of Angus Road, is further charged with the attempted murder of another man by repeatedly striking him with a sword or similar instrument.

Prosecutors say that Turner also behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by allegedly chasing Mr Elliot and the other man, brandishing a sword at them and repeatedly attempting to strike a taxi, into which they had entered, with the sword.

He appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court late yesterday afternoon and made no plea to the charges through solicitor Paul Keenan during a petition hearing in private.

Sheriff James Varney continued matters for further examination and remanded Turner in custody.

The Telegraph told earlier this week how police were alerted to a disturbance involving three men on Angus Road in Larkfield at around 9.50pm on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Ally Semple, of the Major Investigation Team, said afterwards: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died at this very difficult time.

“I would like to reassure the local community that we believe this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

“Extensive police inquiries are ongoing, and we have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation.

“We will have a continued police presence in the area, and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers."

DI Semple added: “Officers are reviewing CCTV footage in the area, and door-to-door inquiries are also being carried out.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area who has not already spoken to officers to get in touch.”

The death is the latest in a series of alarming incidents that have rocked Larkfield in recent months.

In February, Neil Canney was found seriously injured on his doorstep in Nairn Road and passed away a short time later after being rushed to hospital.

Seven men have since appeared in court charged with the 37-year-old dad's murder.

It is claimed that the accused males, who have all been remanded in custody, 'did discharge a firearm and did shoot him [Mr Canney] in the head' and 'did murder him'.

Meanwhile, another police probe remains ongoing into an alleged attempted murder following a serious assault on Dorset Road in April.

A 22-year-old man sustained injuries to his head and body following the incident, with Police Scotland deploying high visibility mounted patrols in the area in the weeks after the alleged attack.

Murder and attempted murder accused Turner is due back in court regarding the Angus Road matters next week.