A man has been left with serious injuries after a "violent and unprovoked" attack at a bus stop.

The victim, in his twenties, was waiting for a bus in Edinburgh city centre at around 3.30am on Wednesday when he was assaulted by an unknown man, who then walked off.

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The attack happened on North Bridge at the bus stop nearest to the junction with the Royal Mile on the east side pavement.

The victim sustained serious facial injuries and was treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary before being discharged.

The suspect is described as white, of average build, around 5ft 9in, aged between 25-30 and had short, dark spiked hair. He was wearing a black leather jacket, dark blue jeans, a white T-shirt and had a scar down the left side of his face.

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He was in the company of another man who is described as white, aged between 20-25 and of stocky build. He had light, short hair, a tattoo on his left arm and was wearing black jeans and a maroon T-shirt.

They were last seen walking towards Princes Street before being lost from view.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Constable Iain Wallace said: "This was a violent and unprovoked attack against an innocent member of the public who had been enjoying a night out.

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"Although the incident itself happened during the early hours I'm hopeful that someone may have witnessed what happened or may have seen the suspect.

"Attacks of this nature are thankfully rare but we take a zero tolerance approach towards anyone who engages in this sort of offence.

"We are working hard to trace the suspect as soon as possible and I urge anyone with relevant information to please contact police."