Man's throat slashed on bus

Police described the attack as "horrific"

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man travelling on an Edinburgh bus had his throat slashed.

The attack happened on the upper deck of a number 25 bus which was travelling along Calder Road at about 1300 GMT on Saturday.

The victim was involved in an argument with a man sitting behind him.

The 22-year-old turned to face the front of the bus but his head was pulled back and his throat slashed with a sharp instrument.

The victim staggered off the bus bleeding heavily from an 8cm gash to his throat.

This was a horrific incident which left the victim with a serious injury Police spokeswoman

He made his way home and then called an ambulance which took him to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he received treatment.

The attacker, who was with a woman, got off the bus at Calder Road.

The couple were seen walking into Parkhead Gardens.

Lothian and Borders police said the victim was lucky not to have been killed during the attack.

A police spokeswoman said: "This was a horrific incident which left the victim with a serious injury.

Drink or drugs

"The victim had argued with the suspect but never for one moment thought that the result of that would be so severe.

"He is very fortunate that his injuries were not life threatening."

Police said both the man and woman appeared to be drunk or were possibly on drugs.

The man is described as white, aged about 30, slim, 5ft 8in tall, with short dark hair and a pencil moustache.

He was wearing blue jeans and a dark and light blue horizontal-striped T-shirt.

His female companion was white, aged about 25, with medium build, 5ft 5in tall, with dark hair in a ponytail, blue jeans and a light-coloured jacket.