A man has been assaulted as he walked through an historic graveyard in Edinburgh.

The 34-year-old was making his way through St Cuthbert’s Churchyard on the corner of Lothian Road and Princes Street at around 6pm on Tuesday.

Two men approached him and began pulling at his clothes before punching and kicking him in the head and face. They then walked up steps towards Princes Street.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack.

One man was white, in his 40s, of medium build, with short spiky white hair and dark bushy eyebrows. He was wearing a long sleeved sky blue shirt, dark jeans and dark dress shoes and was carrying a newspaper.

The other man is also white, in his 40s, of medium build. He had dark hair, a gaunt appearance and a pointy nose. He was wearing a pair of designer-style black rimmed glasses, a short sleeved white shirt, a light pair of jeans and fawn coloured shoes or boots.

A spokesman with Lothian and Borders Police said: "While the motive for this attack is not clear, the victim is understandably shaken by the incident.

“We are keen to trace those responsible and would appeal to anyone who may have seen any activity in the churchyard in the early evening of Tuesday to get in touch as soon as possible.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the men or who has any further information should come forward and let us know."

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0131 311 3131 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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