POLICE were yesterday investigating five vicious attacks which took place in the Paisley area within hours of the New Year Bells ringing in the start of 2011.

It is thought that all of the incidents, which are being treated as serious assaults, were drink-related.

Four attacks took place in Paisley and the other happened in Renfrew. Police are not linking any of them.

The first assault took place at around 3am on Saturday, January 1, when a 24-year-old man suffered injuries to his face following a fight in a flat in Canal Street, Paisley.

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He was rushed to the town’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, where his injuries were treated.

A 24-year-old man is facing a charge of serious assault in connection with that incident.

The next attack took place in Dundonald Road, Gallowhill, Paisley, shortly after 4am on January 1, when two men – aged 28 and 38 – were left nursing head injuries after being attacked by a group of yobs.

Both victims went to the RAH for treatment and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Attack number three happened around 10 minutes later, this time in Grampian Avenue, Paisley.

In that incident, a 29-year-old man suffered injuries to his face and leg and was taken to the RAH, where a number of stitches were inserted in his wounds.

Attack number four happened in Fulbar Street, Renfrew, at around 5.30am on January 1.

On this occasion, a 28-year-old man was battered on the head and suffered a possible fracture. He went to the RAH but was allowed home after treatment.

The final attack was reported to cops at around 6.45am on January 1 and took place in Blackstoun Road, Ferguslie Park, Paisley, where two men – aged 29 and 36 – suffered stab wounds.

Both were rushed to the RAH and the older man was detained for observation.

Police have urged anyone who has information about any of these incidents to ring them on 0141 532 5900 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.