TWO young men were attacked and left with facial injuries after they tried to help friends in the city centre.
The victims are still in hospital following the assault on Friday morning, which happened after they got out a taxi on South Bridge.
One man, aged 23, is to undergo surgery at St John's Hospital, Livingston, after suffering a deep cut to the foreh
ead, as well as other cuts on his face and nose.
The pair were travelling in a group when the taxi stopped at 3.20am. Some of their friends got out, but were confronted by a group of youths, in their late teens and early twenties.
The two victims came to their aid but were assaulted. Two of the youths chased the 23-year-old man a short distance before setting upon him, and cutting his face.
Another two men attacked the 22-year-old victim, causing minor injuries to his face. They were both taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
A police spokesman said they were appealing for information after the attack.
He said: "The victims have been left injured and shaken as a result of their ordeal, and we are looking for anyone who witnessed this incident to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.
"Similarly, anyone who has any other information that can help us track down those responsible should also get in touch."
Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers , anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The full article contains 259 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
