Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a man was seriously assaulted in his own home in the south of the city.
The incident happened around 5.30pm yesterday (Monday, November 18), at an address in Fernieside Crescent.
The 44-year-old victim was in the hallway when three men burst in and he was attacked with a hammer. He was wrestled to the ground where he was punched, kicked and stamped on, before the three men fled the property, running in the direction of Craigour Park Primary School.
As a result of the assault he suffered a deep wound to the back of his head, as well as facial and chest injuries. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Family members who were also in the address were unharmed.
The main suspect is described as white, mid to late 20s, close-cropped fair hair, stocky build, and wearing a navy blue jumper with a white logo.
There is no detailed description available of the other two men, other than one was wearing a body warmer.
Detective Constable Dominic Cox, from Police Scotland, said: “This was a traumatic ordeal for the victim and his family, who have been left extremely shaken, and who have now left their home fearing for their safety.
“We are carrying out extensive inquiries in order to trace the three men responsible for this entirely unprovoked attack, and we are appealing to the public for assistance.
“Anyone who was in the Fernieside Crescent and surrounding area around 5.30pm yesterday, who saw the three men together, or who noticed anyone acting suspiciously, should contact police.
“Similarly, anyone else who has any other information that can assist our inquiries should also get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
