Police were yesterday on the trail of two thugs who attacked a man at a house in Barrhead and then set his car on fire.

The 30-year old victim staggered from the property in Centenary Court and headed to the nearby Tesco store in Kelburn Street.

Shocked staff were able to give him medical attention and then called the emergency services.

A short time later, the man – who had suffered a facial injury in the attack – was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, for treatment.

The frightening incident took place at around 12noon on Monday.

Police said the thugs then set the victim’s Vauxhall Astra on fire before fleeing the scene.

Firefighters who were called to the scene managed to extinguish the flames but the car was left badly damaged.

The Tesco store is believed to have been busy with shoppers when the injured man staggered inside.

Detectives are treating the incident as a targeted attack and are pursuing a positive line of enquiry.

It’s understood the victim, who was released from the RAH after receiving treatment for his facial wound, is not from Barrhead.

One source told the Barrhead News: “After he was attacked, he didn’t know where to go for help, as he was unfamiliar with the area, so he headed for the Tesco.”

The victim and his two assailants are believed to have been at a party at the house in Centenary Court before the assault took place.

Patrols have been carried out in the area by community officers in an effort to provide reassurance to local residents.

A police spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing into an assault on a man within a property in Centenary Court, Barrhead, and a wilful fireraising of a car outside the same address.

“The 30-year-old man attended a nearby store and was assisted by staff, who called police.

“He was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley.

“Enquiries are ongoing and officers are working to trace the two men responsible.”

Anyone who has information about the attack is asked to call officers on 101.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.