A man was stabbed in the stomach by a knife wielding thief who struck in the middle of the afternoon in Edinburgh on Monday.

The victim was walking in Leith’s great Junction Street along with his attacker and a third man between 2.30pm and 3pm when he was attacked.

As the trio entered King Street, the attacker turned on the victim and stabbed him in the abdomen, before robbing him and running off towards Cables Wynd.

A police spokesman said: "The victim was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment, and although his injuries weren't life threatening he was left badly shaken by the ordeal.

"We are appealing for witnesses to the incident, and in particular we want to speak to the male who was not directly involved in the attack, as he may have information that can help us.

"Anyone else who witnessed the attack, or who was in the area of Great Junction Street and King Street and noticed the three men there, should contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any other information that can assist our inquiries, should also get in touch.

The suspect is described as white, 19 to 20-years-old, slim and with short dark hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt, black jacket, and black jogging bottoms, and had a distinctive tattoo, featuring calligraphy style writing, on the right side of his neck.

Anyone who recognises the description or has information about the attack is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.