Serious assault in Newtongrange

The incident happened at around 7.45pm on Sunday, October 16, when a 53-year-old man was leaving a licensed premises. As he walked towards the bus stop a man stepped out of the front passenger seat of a sliver private hire taxi and assaulted him.

The suspect got back into the taxi and left the scene. The 53-year-old then returned home where he later contacted police. He was treated at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for facial and chest injuries.

Police are now investigating and are appealing for witnesses.

The suspect is described as a white man with a heavy build. He is around 5ft 10 inches in height, has blue eyes and has a bald head. He is believed to be in his late 40s.

He was believed to be wearing a dark Adidas top with white stripes, matching tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. He was also using two crutches.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to the driver of the sliver private taxi that the suspect was travelling in.

Detective Constable Ian McCandlish of Dalkeith CID said: “This attack has left the victim upset and badly shaken.

“We are particularly keen to speak to the driver of the silver private hire taxi, who would have witnessed the attack.

“Anyone who was in the Main Street area, and saw anything suspicious, is asked to get in touch with us immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.