THE family of two brothers stabbed and robbed after going to buy a car in an internet sale said the victims had walked into an ambush.

The "appalling" attack on the two men happened after they travelled more than 100 miles from the north east Scotland to Edinburgh to buy the vehicle.

The victims, one of whom is in a critical condition, were named locally as Peter and James Stewart, aged 43 and 45 respectively.

The attack happened at about 6pm on Wednesday in Wardieburn Place West, Edinburgh.

James Stewart, who had several stab wounds, was understood to have returned to Aberdeen and being cared for at home by his ex-partner and mother of their two children, Gina.

She was reported as saying: "I was absolutely horrified when I saw the stab wounds.

"How could someone try to take someone's life?

"Obviously these people knew they would have money on them."

James, of Northfield, was stabbed in the stomach and the back while Peter, of Kincorth, was critically ill after being stabbed in the chest.

"It was horrendous to see Peter in hospital. He was semi-conscious and was responding to my voice. It took all my strength to hold back the tears.

"I had to put on a brave face. I'm praying he makes it."

It was claimed the brothers had answered an advertisement on the website Gumtree, and had arrived in Edinburgh with £6,000.

Police visited the family at their home Aberdeen home shortly after the incident on Wednesday.

The men had travelled to the capital from the area on the understanding that they were going to purchase a vehicle.

Both were attacked in a common stair by two men, who quickly fled the scene.

The victims were left with serious injuries, with Peter in a critical condition. He is understood to have been stabbed in the heart.

Officers, who are treating the incident as an attempted murder, want to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the attackers.

The first suspect is described as being white, aged between 17 and 19.

He has a central Scotland accent and light-coloured short hair, which is shaved at the sides. He was wearing a light sky-blue hooded sweatshirt and grey jogging bottoms.

The second suspect is white, in his mid-20s, stocky build and was wearing a striped top.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Houston said: ''This was an appalling attack on two men who came to the address in good faith.

''This attack happened in daylight and we believe there may be a number of witnesses who may have seen the suspects in the area.

''Anyone with information that can help with our enquiries is urged to contact police immediately.''