A SCHOOLGIRL who was smashed over the head by a drunk thug wielding a bottle is recovering in hospital.
Police are hunting the violent attacker who pounced as the nine-year-old was walking home from the Asda supermarket in Govan.
It is feared the youngster could be scarred for life.
Strathclyde Police say they are treating the attack, which happened around 6pm on Friday, as a serious assault.
The young girl was walking alone in Craigton Road when she was attacked from behind by the man.
Police said a man, fitting the description of the suspect, was seen in the M8 underpass at Jura Street and was acting suspiciously just 20 minutes before the attack.
Detective Inspector Scott McMillan of Helen Street CID has appealed to local people to help identify the culprit.
He said: "Our inquiries are progressing and we have been viewing CCTV and speaking to the public in an effort to gain as much information as possible to catch this person.
"Our inquiries so far have revealed that a man, fitting the description of the suspect, wearing a grey tracksuit and carrying a bottle, was seen walking into the underpass below the M8 at Jura Street.
"The man was seen acting suspiciously just 20 minutes before the attack on the young girl occurred."
Horrified onlookers saw the attacker run off into the Drumoyne housing estate leaving his terrified victim bleeding on the ground.
She was taken to Yorkhill Hospital where she is being treated for her injuries.
Mr McMillan added: "I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen this man prior to the attack or anyone who resides in the Drumoyne housing estate who may have seen him after the attack just after 6pm. It is absolutely imperative we trace this violent individual.
"If you have any information, no matter how trivial it may seem, please get in touch."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Govan CID on 0141 532 5400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk