Attack leaves man fearing for his sight

By Shaun Milne

A MAN is facing an anxious wait for tests to discover whether or not he could lose his sight after a brutal attack.

The 23-year-old was punched, tripped and repeatedly kicked during the beating in Dalkeith, Midlothian.

Police said the victim had been drinking with friends at the town’s Black Bull pub before leaving soon before Midnight yesterday (Tues).

They were walking down the street when the driver of a blue hatchback car almost struck them.

The two groups confronted each other before the car drove off towards the High Street.

Soon after the 23 year old man was walking alone when confronted again by the individuals within the blue car.

One of the occupants got out the car and punched him in the face, police said.

Another passenger joined in the assault by tripping him before both suspects then continued the assault by kicking and punching the man while he was on the ground.

They then fled the scene in the car.

The victim was able to get to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and had to get treatment on a broken nose and jaw and swelling to his eye.

He will undergo further tests to determine whether there is any permanent damage to his vision.

Police are now asking anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “This has been a brutal attack that has left a young man with some serious and painful injuries to his face.

“We do not have a description of the suspects at this time and so anyone who can assist in identifying them or the vehicle they were driving is asked to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone who was in or around Buccleuch Street and witnessed the assault is also asked to get in touch.”

Anyone with information was asked to call Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

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