Attackers break victim's cheekbone

A MAN suffered a fractured cheekbone and chipped eye socket after being seriously assaulted by three thugs in the city centre.

The 46-year-old victim was walking along Queen Street towards Queen Street Gardens East when he encountered the trio of men, who are all described as being white and in their late 20s.

The victim was then punched in the face without warning, and knocked unconscious.

He came round shortly afterwards, and was helped by a man and a woman who accompanied him to his home.

Another man who was at the scene had called an ambulance, but cancelled the call at the victim's request.

The incident happened at around 3am on Sunday.

A police spokesman said: "This was a particularly nasty and unprovoked assault, and we urgently need to trace the three people who helped the victim after he was attacked, as it is possible they have information that can assist our inquiries.

"The descriptions that we have of the man and woman who came to his aid are that they are both white, and in their 30s. The man was wearing blue jeans and a shirt, while the woman was wearing a black knee-length dress.

"If they are reading this we would urge them to get in touch as soon as possible, and we are asking the same of the other man who called the ambulance."

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.