Left-for-dead Grange blaze attack victim Lynsey comes out of coma

A WOMAN battered and left for dead in a burning flat in the Grange has come out of her coma, police said today.

Detectives revealed that Lynsey Methven, 30, had regained consciousness at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but would not disclose whether they had spoken to her yet.

Ms Methven was put into an induced coma by doctors after she was violently attacked at her flat in Chalmers Crescent on Monday, suffering severe facial injuries.

Stewart Taylor, 33, was killed during the incident and a 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged with his murder.

Police have now issued a new appeal for a potentially vital witness to the attack to come forward.

Officers on the inquiry team want to trace the driver of a white van, which is believed to have been in the Chalmers Crescent area between 7.30am and 7.40am on Monday.

The driver of the vehicle, who is described as white, 30-45 years old with collar-length curly brown hair, may have information that can assist officers with their inquiries and is asked to come forward immediately.

Police had previously appealed for help in tracing another small van which had been spotted in the same area at around 7.15am.

On Wednesday, Frank Moore appeared on petition at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with the murder of Mr Taylor and the attempted murder of Ms Methven. No plea or declaration was made on behalf of Mr Moore and the case was continued for further inquiry. Moore, from Newtongrange, was remanded in custody.

Ms Methven was pulled from the burning flat after the blaze was started at around 7am on Monday. She later underwent plastic surgery to her facial wounds.

Mr Taylor died at the scene and detectives believe he suffered a severe blow to the head before the fire broke out.

Police have been carrying out extensive forensic work at the Chalmers Crescent property where the victims were found, while extra high-visibility patrols have been deployed in the area.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Taylor, a chef who worked at Maison Bleue in Victoria Street and who was originally from Aberdeen, with his family describing him as "deeply loved".

Ms Methven's father, John, 68, said his daughter had suffered injuries including a broken nose and cheekbones, as well as cuts to her lip.

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.