Two men who travelled almost 130 miles, from the north east to the capital, to buy a car were left fighting for their lives after a vicious knife attack.

The victims had driven from the Aberdeen area in good faith to buy a car in Edinburgh and were attacked in a common close in the Wardiburn area of the city.

Police are treating the attack as attempted murder.

It is understood two young men unleashed the "appalling" daylight knife attack on the two men before one of the victims attempted to escape the onslaught in his car.

The other was found seriously injured in the stairwell. Their assailants are through to have fled the scene in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

A neighbour raised the alarm before the 45-year-old and the second victim were rushed to hospital.

The driver is in a critical condition while his companion has serious injuries.

Both suffered stab wounds from a "sharp instrument".

An appeal for witnesses to the incident on Wednesday at around 6pm in Wardieburn Place West has been made by police.

Police Scotland said the men had travelled from the Aberdeen area on the understanding that they were going to purchase a car.

Both were attacked within the common stair by the two male suspects, who are thought to have escaped from the the scene via the large grass area at the rear of the block.

Officers are now eager to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the two suspects.

The first suspect is described as white, aged 17-19 years old.

He has a Central Scotland accent and light coloured short hair, which is shaved at the sides.

He was wearing a light coloured sky blue hooded sweatshirt and grey jogging bottoms.

The second suspect is a white man in his mid-20s.

He has a stocky build and was wearing a striped top.

One resident said there had been a previous knife attack in the street , adding "There have always been antisocial behaviour concerns, you hear noise of people coming home from the pub, but you don't expect this to happen, not on your doorstep.

"When things like this happen close to home it makes you think."

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."

People who have more information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.