Front door knife attack

A MAN has been stabbed on his doorstep in broad daylight in a quiet East Lothian village.

Police are appealing for witnesses to yesterday's attack, which took place just yards from a busy main road and grocery shop at 12.30pm in Wallyford, East Lothian. The victim, named locally as self-employed painter and decorator David Dailly, aged 26, was attacked in the village's Albert Place, just round the corner from the local primary school. Villagers say they believe the attack was prompted by a dispute over a girl, and claimed Mr Dailly was stabbed and hit with a baseball bat.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I've never seen so many police in the area. I counted at least eight police vehicles and the road was all taped off most of the day. It was nearer tea time before they let cars back past."

Police sealed off the area and a forensic team were seen scouring the quiet streets for evidence.

He was rushed to hospital but police said his injuries are not serious. It is believed officers found a knife nearby.

One woman, who lives in the street where the assault took place, said: "I believe it was a fight over a girl. I think the girl threatened that her boyfriend would stab him a couple of days ago, but that's all hearsay."

Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said of the victim: "He is a really quiet sort and he and his girlfriend are a lovely couple. You just don't expect this kind of thing to happen on your doorstep."

Mr Dailly and his girlfriend, who works as a beauty therapist in North Berwick, are only thought to have bought their small terrace house two months ago.