A 26-year-old man was abducted and attacked in an attempted murder incident by a group who, it has been suggested, were posing as police in Edinburgh on Wednesday night.

Police were alerted to a disturbance at 10.45pm in Claremont Court, in the Bellevue area of the capital where men were reported to have been fighting with weapons. 

One man was seen to have been forced from his vehicle, a grey Audi S5, into a second vehicle, which is described as a dark coloured hatchback.

This vehicle was reported to have blue flashing lights activated on the dashboard.

The vehicle left Claremont Court along with two other vehicles; the grey Audi S5 and a white van.

A short time later officers were called to McDonald Road, located around the corner from Claremont Court, where the man forced into the back of the hatchback was found injured. 

It is believed that he had been assaulted while within the car, which had then driven at him when he exited the vehicle. This car then fled the scene.

The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment and his injuries are not life-threatening.

Hours later at around 1am on Thursday, October 7, officers were then called to Magdalene Avenue following a car fire. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire and the vehicle found here has been confirmed as the grey Audi S5, which was stolen from the 26-year-old man in Claremont Court earlier in the night.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “The level of violence and intimidation shown during this incident is shocking and thankfully the victim was not left seriously injured. We believe this was a targeted attack.

“The suspects involved in his abduction from Claremont Court are believed to have arrived at the scene in two vehicles, the first a dark coloured hatchback, and the second a white van. Witnesses have reported there being four men, all wearing balaclavas.

“I’d urge anyone who witnessed the incidents in Claremont Court or McDonald Road to come forward and speak to officers. We’re especially keen for anyone who may have captured the incidents on dash cam or private CCTV to check their systems and provide relevant footage to us.

“The dark coloured hatchback vehicle the suspects used had blue lights activated on top of the dashboard at the front windscreen. This was not a police vehicle. I’d urge anyone who knows more about this vehicle, or could help us trace it and those connected to it, to get in contact with officers as soon as possible.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 3764 of 6 October. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.