Police in Edinburgh are issuing a new appeal following an assault and attempted robbery on a 58-year-old man on Princes Street last week.
They are particularly keen to hear from a taxi driver who spoke to the victim and may have witnessed the assault.
The incident happened around 11pm on Sunday (1st June) in Princes Street near to the junction with South St Andrews Street.
A man had just exited the McDonald’s restaurant on South St Andrew’s Street and walked round to Princes Street when a male approached and asked him for money.
When he refused the request, the man was punched to the face, knocking him unconscious and causing him to fall to the ground.
The suspect made off towards North Bridge and two young men and a taxi driver came to assist the victim.
As a result of the attack, the man suffered serious injury to his mouth, which resulted in the loss of a tooth and which will require months of dental treatment.
Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
The male suspect is described as white, early to mid twenties, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins tall with a medium build and spoke with an Eastern European accent.
Detective Constable Carole Sneddon said: “We are continuing our appeal for anyone to come forward who may have witnessed this assault, which was particularly vicious and left the victim requiring extensive dental work.
“We know that two young men came to assist the victim, and a taxi driver also spoke with him, and I am appealing for them to come forward.
“Anyone who was on Princes Street late on Sunday evening and remembers seeing anything suspicious, or recognises the description of the suspect, is asked to contact police immediately.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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.
