Attempted murder probe is launched after hostel attack

Published on Saturday 5 December 2009 09:41

POLICE were today investigating an attempted murder at a Lothians homeless hostel.

It is understood a 27-year-old resident was stabbed in the attack at the hostel on Gorebridge's Hunterfield Road before staggering across to a nearby house and pleading for help.

The victim was said to be in a "serious but stable" condition in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after being attacked at about 11:55pm on Thursday.

Both properties last night remained cordoned off by police as local residents spoke of their shock.

Billy Hogg, owner of B&N Mini Market on Hunterfield Road, said: "The people who live in the house where the man went for help told me that he was banging on their door saying, 'Help me, I have been stabbed'.

"When they opened the door he was covered in blood and just collapsed. They said he had been stabbed a few times."

The 56-year-old added: "The neighbours have had a lot of hassle with the hostel and I have heard them complaining about the noise."

Forensics officers were seen coming out of the hostel yesterday afternoon.

Mother-of-one Nicky Clark, 32, who has lived in Gorebridge for 11 years, said: "This is just typical of Gorebridge. I am concerned – I have a son who's 11. The more things that go on in this village, the more I want to move away."

Another resident, who has lived in Gorebridge all her life but did not want to be named, said: "I got the shock of my life when I was putting stuff in my bin outside on Friday. There were policemen swarming all over the place looking in the gardens and bins. I was shocked when I found out what had happened, especially with it being just round the corner.

"It is quite frightening, especially when you live on your own. It is horrible."

The 84-year-old added: "We have had a lot of bother with the homeless place, there has been a lot of people put out in recent months. I think they trashed the place a bit.

"This used to be such a quiet place but we have got a lot of new incomers and it is changing the place."

A police spokesman said:

"Lothian and Borders Police are investigating following an attack on a 27-year-old man in Gorebridge, Midlothian, which is being treated as attempted murder.

"The incident happened at around 11:55pm on Thursday, 3 December, and resulted in the man being taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries, although his condition is stable.

"Inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, although they are at an early stage."