'Brutal attack' in Edinburgh leaves two men in hospital as police launch appeal

Two men were taken to hospital with serious injuries following a “brutal” gang attack in Edinburgh in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The assault occured on Rose Street at its junction with Frederick Street on Monday, January 1 at around 3.30am.

Police said the two victims were attacked by a group of men and woman and suffered head and face injuries.

The force say it is ‘imperative’ that those responsible are traced and added that a pedestrian is believed to have witnessed the assault.

Police are also appealing to members of the public who provided first aid to the injured men before they were taken to hospital.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe from Edinburgh CID said: “This was a brutal attack and it is imperative that we trace the people responsible and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.

“We know there was a pedestrian who would have witnessed this assault and may have information that can help us. I would also appeal to the people who stopped and provided first aid to the two injured men.”

Anyone with any information, or footage of the incident, should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1142 of Monday, 1 January 2024.

Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.