The police are following a ”positive line of inquiry” after a 40-year-old man was stabbed in the street in Brechin.
The man was found lying in Montrose Street at around 12.30am on Monday and taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee in a ”serious” condition.
Police are calling for witnesses to the incident, that took place near to the East End Bar, to come forward.
Residents in the street expressed shock at the news as a policeman stood guard outside an entrance to a flat.
Catherine McFarlane said: ”I didn’t hear a thing like that. Nothing like this ever happens on this street it’s full of respectable folk.
”There are never any disturbances, not even from the pub.”
Another said: ”I saw the police activity during the middle of the night. I just thought Brechin is really going downhill.”
Brechin councillor Bob Myles condemned the attack and asked people in the town to assist police.
He said: ”I’m appalled that this has happened as normally Brechin is a very safe place. It’s very out of character.
”I’d like to echo the police appeal and ask that anyone with information gets in touch with them. Whatever the motive or reason we don’t want this type of behaviour happening in the town.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics treated a 40-year-old man for injuries to his chest and torso.
Anyone with information is asked to call 0300 111 2222.