POLICE are hunting a vicious mob who carried out an unprovoked attack on a man in Johnstone town centre last night.

The 26-year-old victim was rushed to hospital after the frenzied assault, which took place in the town's High Street.

Men and women, thought to be aged between 20 and 40, were involved in the terrifying incident, during which the victim was knocked to the ground and then punched and kicked repeatedly.

One officer described the victim, who is from Johnstone, as having been in "the wrong place at the wrong time."

Despite his injuries, the man managed to raise the alarm and an ambulance took him to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, for treatment.

Shocked members of the public also called the police, who were quickly on the scene, although the gang had managed to flee.

Officers are now studying CCTV footage from town centre cameras in a bid to identify the attackers.

The victim, who was walking home at the time of the attack, has also been able to give police a description of some of the suspects.

A police spokesperson told The Gazette: "This appears to have been an unprovoked assault which happened around 11.15pm on Sunday evening and the 26-year-old male victim suffered bruising and swelling.

"He was detained at the hospital for further assessment.

"We would appeal for any witnesses to contact Police Scotland, quoting incident number 4286."