Couple beaten with branches by yobs

A COUPLE were attacked by a gang of youths who repeatedly struck them with branches from trees which had fallen during last week’s bad weather.

The couple, both in their 20s, were approached by a group of six or seven male youths, as they walked along the footpath running through Leith Links parallel to John’s Place, close to the junction with Hermitage Place.

After striking them with the branches, the youths demanded the male victim hand over his wallet.

The man surrendered his wallet, but he was struck again before a large branch was thrown at his girlfriend, hitting her on the head.

The gang made off towards the Links Gardens/Restalrig Road area following the incident at around 1.30am on Saturday.

Following the assault, the female victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to check on swelling to her head. Her boyfriend suffered a cut to his head and bruising, but did not require hospital treatment.

All of the suspects are described as being 15 to 16-years-old, and wearing tracksuits and baseball caps.

A police spokesman said: “Thankfully the couple were not seriously injured, however they were still left understandably shaken as a result of what happened, and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace those responsible.

“Anyone who was in the area of Leith Links or the surrounding area in the early hours of Saturday morning, who noticed the group of youths there, should contact police.

“Anyone else who has any information that can help us identify the youths should also get in touch.”

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.