A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being burned with a corrosive substance in an attack in Clydebank.
Michael McElhinney, 26, suffered horrific burns in an alleged revenge attack for stealing drugs, his family claim.
He was seriously injured in the horror incident at a high rise block in Dunswin Court, Clydebank, at around 7.20pm on Friday night.
It is understood Michael is undergoing surgery for his severe injuries as medics battle to save his life.
His aunt told the Record that a priest had been called to give Michael his last rites over fears he could die.
He was placed in an induced coma, but it is understood that he has responded well to initial surgery.
Michael's mum told the Record: "He is not doing well.
"But at this stage he's doing better than we were maybe hoping."
Michael's aunt Carol McGee claimed her nephew had been forced into a bath filled with a corrosive substance and was now so badly burned he could not speak.
She said: "The surgeon said this is among the worst cases in his career and the nurses have been left traumatised by how bad his injuries are.
"They reckon that if he survives they may have to amputate limbs.
"We don't think this attack could have just been one man, Michael is 6ft.
"It is looking like he was put in a bath of acid.
"Basically his skin has melted off his arms and it looks like his arms were out to protect himself.
"The skin has also melted off his feet. They have to take him to surgery to see how far the burns have gone.
"They reckon if he survives he might lose his legs and an arm.
"It's just absolutely horrendous for the whole family. We don't know if he'll survive and are preparing for the worst."
It is understood that Michael had fallen foul of a local gangster after allegedly stealing drugs.
Another source added: "It is only hearsay at the moment but the story is that he took valium off the guy who did it.
"Apparently the person has been bragging around Clydebank about how he's done it."
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 7.20pm on Friday, 4 June, 2021, we received a report of a man injured at a property in Dunswin Court, Clydebank.
“Emergency services attended and a man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment with serious injuries.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 3327 of 4 June, 2021.”
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