Police follow up new leads in hunt for knife attackers

POLICE are investigating fresh leads that could shed new light on a frenzied knife attack that left a man with wounds to his face, neck and stomach.

The 51-year-old was left with “serious injuries” after being set upon by two men in the forecourt of AGS Motors in Portobello High Street, at around 12.45pm on February 17.

Today, detectives said they were following several new lines of inquiry and praised the public response from an appeal last month.

Now they want to trace the owner of a dark coloured saloon car – seen in the area around the time of the attack – and the driver of a passing silver 4 x 4 that sounded its horn.

Another motorist, who was flagged down by a member of the public and made aware of the incident, is also being sought by police.

Lead investigator DS David Gordon said: “First of all, I would like to thank those members of the public who responded to our appeals for information, which has helped us to establish a number of positive lines of inquiry.

“We would like to reiterate our appeal for anyone who was in the area of Portobello High Street at the time of the incident, who saw anything suspicious, to contact us with whatever information they have.

“Likewise, anyone else who has any other information that can assist our inquiries should also get in touch.”

CCTV footage of the incident shows two men running away from outside the premises of AGS Motors after the victim was repeatedly slashed in a car park.

Shortly afterwards, the video clip shows two men sprinting after the criminals, who made their way down Portobello High Street in the direction of Kwik Fit.

It is understood that the badly injured 51-year-old was taken to Moira Park Surgery, before being rushed to the ERI by ambulance.

His injuries were described by police as serious, but not life-threatening.

Police quickly swooped on the area, where they were said to have examined a BMW car, which was later removed from the scene.

The first attacker was described as white, aged between 40 and 50, and had a gaunt appearance. He was wearing a dark coloured cap, sunglasses, dark coloured clothes and spoke with a Scots accent.

The other had light brown skin, was around 30 years of age and was wearing dark coloured clothes and white trainers.

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.