A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with carrying out a serious assault in Port Glasgow.

James McLaughlin is accused of repeatedly stabbing a man on the body with a knife or similar implement to his severe injury or permanent disfigurement at Stanton Square on Saturday.

The 61-year-old faces a further charge of being in possession of a blade in a public place without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

McLaughlin, of Stanton Square, appeared on petition at a private hearing at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday afternoon.

He made no plea through defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher, with Sheriff James Varney continued matters for further examination and remanded him in custody.

McLaughlin will return to court within the next eight days.

Police attended Stanton Square at around 5:30pm on Saturday following reports of an incident.

Police Scotland confirmed that a 44-year-old man was taken to hospital.