Manhunt after brothers stabbed trying to buy car

A MAJOR manhunt was under way today after two brothers were stabbed when they turned up at an address in Edinburgh to buy a car.
Police officers on the scene in Pilton yesterday. Picture: Scott TaylorPolice officers on the scene in Pilton yesterday. Picture: Scott Taylor
Police officers on the scene in Pilton yesterday. Picture: Scott Taylor

Peter Stewart, 43, was yesterday fighting for his life while James Stewart, 45, has less serious injuries.

Detectives are still trying to piece together what happened during the attack in Wardieburn Street West, Pilton, but insist the men had arrived at the address after responding to an advert “in good faith”.

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It is understood the pair were responding to an advert for a sports car on Gumtree and were carrying £6000 in cash.

Police officers on the scene in Pilton yesterday. Picture: Scott TaylorPolice officers on the scene in Pilton yesterday. Picture: Scott Taylor
Police officers on the scene in Pilton yesterday. Picture: Scott Taylor

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said police were investigating whether the brothers had fallen foul of a scam intended to dupe victims out of a large amount of cash.

“We are very concerned about the condition of the man and we are keeping a very open mind,” he said.

Following the stabbing the more seriously injured man, who was bleeding heavily, managed to get into his car and drive around the corner before he collapsed.

A passer-by then raised the alarm before the 43-year-old and his brother, 45, were rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Police sweep the area for clues. Picture: Scott TaylorPolice sweep the area for clues. Picture: Scott Taylor
Police sweep the area for clues. Picture: Scott Taylor

The pair had travelled from Aberdeen after responding to a car advert and were attacked on the ground stair of a block of flats by two young men.

Both brothers were stabbed by a “sharp instrument” which police are still trying to trace.

Detectives are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious after the attack at around 6pm on Wednesday to come forward.

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Forensics experts have swept the area around the block of flats including the back green, where the suspects are believed to have made their escape.

Wardieburn Street West remained closed between the junction with Wardieburn Terrace and Wardieburn Place West yesterday while officers guarded an inner cordon around the stairwell.

DCI Houston would not be drawn on any cash being carried or whether it was stolen by the attackers.

It remains unclear whether the suspects have a connection to the address or if the stairwell was used as a meeting place.

The victims’ blue-grey Vauxhall, which was mounted on a pavement at nearby Wardieburn Place West, was seized by police and removed from the area yesterday.

DCI Houston added: “This was an appalling attack on two men who came to the address in good faith. We have been told it was busy with both pedestrians and vehicles. I would appeal for anyone to come forward.”

One neighbour said she was horrified to return home to find the street completely blocked off by police.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “A few years ago there was a stabbing just along the road. It’s a shame. There have always been antisocial behaviour concerns, but you don’t expect this to happen, not on your doorstep.”

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Another neighbour described the police presence on Wednesday evening as “like something out of Miami Vice”.

The first suspect is described as a white man, aged between 17 and 19, with a Central Scotland accent and light-coloured short hair, shaved at the sides. He was wearing a light coloured sky blue hooded sweatshirt and grey jogging bottoms.

The second suspect is a white man in his mid-20s. He had a stocky build and was wearing a striped top.

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