Police Scotland

Police investigating a serious assault in West Pilton yesterday evening are now looking for information from the public in relation to the theft of the victim’s vehicle before the attack.

A 37-year-old Chinese man sustained numerous serious injuries, including stab wounds as a result of the incident, which happened around 9.35pm in West Pilton Park, near the junction with West Pilton Grove.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

As a result of ongoing enquiries in the area, it has established that the man’s silver Volkwagen Polo was stolen from outside a business premises in Ferry Road Drive at around 9.30pm.

Officers are now trying to determine if both of these incidents are linked and anyone who can assist with the ongoing investigation is asked to come forward.

Detective Inspector Gary Boyd from the Major Investigation Team, who is leading the enquiry said: “Our enquiries are continuing within the local community and thanks to information gathered during the investigation we now know that the victim’s car was stolen just prior to the attack taking place.

“What we do not yet know at this time, is whether the same individuals responsible for the theft are also responsible for the assault and so we are keen to hear from anyone who can assist us with this line of enquiry.

“We are continuing to investigate this attack as a hate crime to ensure that all appropriate lines of investigation are followed and the information from the public is vital in bringing those responsible to justice.

“Anyone with information relating to the theft of a silver Volkswagen Polo from Ferry Road Drive at around 9.30pm on Wednesday evening, or the serious assault, which took place in West Pilton Park a few minutes later is urged to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MC

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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.