Police are renewing an appeal for information after a man had part of his nose bitten off in Edinburgh city centre.

The victim's wife was approached and harassed by a man in Queen Street at about 2.30pm on Sunday, December 20

When her husband intervened, the suspect attacked him, biting off a large chunk of his nose.

At that point, two men, who are believed to have known the suspect, approached the group and attempted to calm the situation.

The suspect and the other two men then left down Queen Street Gardens East while the victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

Police described the suspect as white, between 20 and 30, 5ft 11in, with a stocky build and a local accent. He had short fair hair and stubble and was possibly wearing a grey top with thin black stripes.

One of the men who intervened is described as white, in his early 30s, 6ft 2in, with a slight build. He had short ginger hair, a clean-shaven face and was wearing a white T-shirt and dark trousers.

The second man is also described as white, in his early 30s, 5ft 8in, with a slight build, dark hair and stubble on his face. He was wearing a grey hooded jacket and dark jeans.

Detective constable Alison Wyllie said: "This was a violent attack which has left the victim requiring ongoing treatment and we're conducting extensive inquiries in order to trace the suspect.

"I would ask that the two men who intervened to contact police immediately and assist us with our ongoing investigation.

"Similarly, anyone else who witnessed this assault or who has any further information relevant to this inquiry should also get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.