THE mother of a murdered Iraq veteran has made an emotional plea for information about his killer a week after he was attacked.

Robbie Morrison, 31, was attacked in Dumbryden Gardens in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, at around 4.30pm last Friday and he died three days later in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. His mother Lynn Morrison appealed for witnesses at the scene of the crime to come forward.

She said: "I would just really just beg anyone to come forward if they have got any information.

"I really need to put my son to rest and I'm just ­pleading for someone who knows something to come forward. There must be mothers here who have got children and know how I feel."

Police said Mr Morrison was attacked by a number of men but managed to run off for around 300 yards before collapsing in an alley.

There were at least two attackers, one of whom was on a mountain bike.

Police Scotland have opened a confidential phone line to help encourage witnesses to come forward.

Officers have been carrying out extensive inquiries and high-visibility patrols in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham said: "A number of people have come forward to help with our investigation but, seven days on from the horrific murder of Robbie Morrison, we are confident there are still members of the public who hold vital key pieces of information and can assist with this investigation.

"We would like to reassure these people that they can contact Police Scotland in total confidence and without the fear of repercussions.

"Our new hotline and text message system should help in that regard and go a long way to bringing justice for the Morrison family."

Mr Morrison served two tours of duty in Iraq in 2008. He lived in the Colinton area of the city.

Police said witnesses could provide information in confidence by dialling 01506 445 620, or using a text message system via 07769 239 691.