An Inverness couple and their daughter suffered stab wounds after a disturbance broke out following a pub fundraising night.
A mother, father and daughter were discovered outside Aberdeen’s Broadsword Lounge by customers.
Witnesses said the family had spent the evening socialising at the Tillydrone bar, where a charity night had been held to raise money on behalf of a local boy.
Police were called to a disturbance outside the pub, around 1am, with the family taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with injuries shortly afterwards.
It is understood that the father was badly wounded.
Two men are due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court this morning in connection with the incident.
A spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that two men, aged 41 and 39, have been charged.
“The men are anticipated to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in relation to the incident.”
Officers worked throughout the night at the scene, locking-down a massive area stretching from the popular bar to Saint George’s Tillydrone Church.
The tape stayed in place until late yesterday afternoon as forensic teams scoured the area for evidence, focusing on ground near ‘The Arcade’.
Church-goers had to pass by police tape to get to the Sunday service, while the local Co-op store was shut most of the day as investigations continued.
It is understood CCTV from the shop has been handed to investigators as they try to piece together the moments leading up to the alleged attack.
A section of Hayton Road was closed off to the public for most of the day, and the number 19 bus service had to be re-routed.
Shocked residents said they were horrified that a “well-intentioned” evening to raise cash for charity had turned into a crime scene.
“We were trying to do something nice as a community,” one said.
“I can’t believe it went so wrong.”
Police confirmed three people had been taken to ARI following the incident, which happened around 1am.
“Police Scotland can confirm that officers are investigating a disturbance which occurred outside of a licensed premises on Hayton Road in Aberdeen,” a spokeswoman said.
“Three people were injured during the incident and were taken to ARI.
“Their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.”
One local man – who had stayed in the pub until closing time – said he recognised the mother from being in the bar after he spotted her lying on the ground outside.
“She was lying on her back,” he said.
“I’m not sure how seriously she was hurt, but she didn’t look in a good way.
“We’ve been told the dad is receiving treatment in the high dependency unit.”
It is understood that the daughter’s injuries are less severe.
Broadsword Lounge had been hosting a fundraising night for a local family to raise money for a Chron’s disease charity.
One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “Their seven-year-old son suffers from Chron’s, and they wanted to do something to help.
“Men were getting their chests waxed and there was a DJ – it was a good laugh. Everyone was having a good time. There was no trouble at all.
“I left before closing time so didn’t see what happened. I could see the blue lights and heard police cars from my house though.
“I thought there had been a fight, or someone had too much to drink.
“No one expected to wake up to this after such a good night.”