Man is battered to death by yobs after stepping off bus

POLICE are hunting a gang of teenage yobs who battered a man to death with a plank of wood in an unprovoked attack on a city street.

David Douglas, of North Queensferry, had been out celebrating his 25th birthday when the crowd set upon him.

Residents watched in horror as the youngsters allegedly smashed him over the head during the assault in Piershill Square West, in the east end of Edinburgh.

Mr Douglas had just stepped off a bus when he was confronted by the gang. Police said the attack was totally unprovoked.

The victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but failed to recover from his serious injuries and died shortly after arrival.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the savage attack, which happened at about 9pm on Saturday.

Forensic teams were today still scouring the grassy spot where the man was found, while detectives carried out door-to-door inquiries in the area. An incident room has also been set up at Craigmillar police station.

It is believed that several people were involved in the attack.

One resident said: "All we know is that the man was getting off the bus and, after an exchange of words, these neds who were hanging about attacked him.

"He was on his own and we heard he had been out celebrating his 25th birthday. It is a dreadful thing to happen."

Another witness said: "There are groups of neds who have been hanging about for the last few months. They are not from around here. We think they are from Northfield and Lochend.

"They hang about drinking and some are only 13 and 14. Some folk have even caught them having sex in their stairs. There’s nothing anyone can do to stop them."

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "A 25-year-old man was assaulted in Piershill Square West, Edinburgh, at about 9pm on Saturday whereby he received serious injuries.

"He has subsequently died from these injuries and police have begun a murder inquiry.

"It is believed that several people were involved in this incident and we are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time or has any information to get in contact."

Police today confirmed that a 17-year -old male has been arrested in connection with the attack. He has been charged with murder and was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Police inquiries are continuing and it is requested that anyone with any information contact Craigmillar police station on 0131 661 3362.