Man shot in face and stabbed in pub attack

A MAN has been seriously injured after being shot in the face and stabbed in a city pub.

The 24-year-old is being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where his

condition is described as "serious but stable".

Police are appealing for witnesses following the shooting at Jock's Lodge pub, near Meadowbank Sports Centre, at around 8.30pm yesterday.

The man was reportedly shot several times in the face with an airgun but police could not confirm the type of weapon used.

He was also stabbed in the upper thigh, although these wounds were said to be less serious.

No-one else was injured in the incident.

It is believed only one attacker was involved. There were reports the incident could be connected to a long-running feud between two families.

Today, the pub and the takeaway next door remained cordoned off, as well as two large communal bins on the opposite side of the road. Several police officers were standing guard outside. A spokesman said they were still searching for the culprit and the weapon used.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Jock's Lodge at around the time of the incident, who saw or heard anything suspicious, to contact police immediately."

One eyewitness, Alan McHenry, said he had seen about ten police cars, with armed officers and dogs, at the pub last night.

He said: "There were four police officers carrying guns and when the ambulance left under blues and twos the armed police escorted it – sirens also wailing and lights flashing.

"The people around are all talking of someone being shot in the pub."

Police were questioning drinkers in the bar last night, as well as at nearby pubs. Residents and shopkeepers in the area said it could be very rowdy at night, and there was often trouble in the area.

Shaukat Ali, the manager of the Shaukat Convenience Store opposite, said: "When we arrived this morning the police were there. People were talking about someone being shot and stabbed."