North-east man in court charged with attempted murder

A man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder over an incident in a north-east town.

Police had appealed for witnesses after a 64-year-old man was seriously injured on Fraserburgh’s Saltoun Square.

He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after an alleged assault on Sunday at around 12.20am.

It is understood that he is still in hospital and is in a serious condition.

Mark Stephen appeared in private at Peterhead Sheriff Court charged in connection with the matter.

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The 37-year-old, whose general address was given as Fraserburgh, is facing four charges.

He is charged with assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and attempted murder and is also accused of attempted robbery, having a blade in a public place and resisting or obstructing police.

During the hearing he made no plea.

The case against him was committed for further examination.

A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service spokesman said Stephen had been remanded in custody.

He is expected to appear in court again in connection with the matter in the next eight days.

After the incident police launched an appeal for witnesses, with a spokesman saying: “Anyone who was in the area around this time and believes they may have seen anything is asked to contact police on 101, or alternatively if they wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”