police

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a homeless man was assaulted and robbed in the city centre.

The incident happened around 12.45am yesterday (Monday) on Meuse Lane.

The 33-year-old victim was sleeping rough within a doorway, near to the Junction with South St David Street, when two men approached and assaulted him.

During the attack the man sustained injury to his nose and was robbed of a mobile phone and a watch.

Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, 6ft tall, mid-thirties with a medium build and short dark hair. He was wearing shiny black trainers and spoke with a Scottish accent.

The second suspect is described as white, 6ft tall, late thirties to early forties with a stocky build and short grey hair. He was wearing a cream jumper, blue jeans and also spoke with a Scottish accent.

Detective Constable Alison Wyllie said: “The victim has suffered a painful injury to his face, which required hospital treatment and was left extremely upset at the theft of his possessions.

“Despite the time of night, the area may still have been populated with people returning home from nearby establishments and anyone who witnessed the assault, or who remembers seeing anything suspicious should contact police immediately.

“In addition, we would ask that anyone who recognises the description of the men responsible and can help detectives trace them, is also asked to get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.