New leads after Crimewatch appeal

Leslie Cumming suffered multiple stab wounds

New leads, including a name, have been thrown up following a national television appeal for information on a knife attack on an accountant.

Leslie Cumming, 62, was attacked by a masked man as he was about to enter his home in Edinburgh in January this year.

Officers leading the inquiry said there had been a number of calls in response to a BBC Crimewatch appeal including a name for the knifeman.

Mr Cumming, fought off the attacker but suffered multiple stab wounds.

The programme broadcast a reconstruction of the 23 January incident and an interview with Mr Cumming in an attempt to trace anyone who may have information about the attack.

Detective Inspector Keith Hardie said officers had also recently uncovered new DNA evidence from the attacker.

They were also looking at whether the man was contracted to carry out the attack on Mr Cumming, given the nature of his work.

Possible grudge

Duties for Mr Cumming in his role as a chief accountant with the Law Society of Scotland include investigating solicitors for financial irregularities.

Several people who could have a grudge against him have been named. Police have questioned more than 500 people and have taken 167 statements in the ongoing hunt for Mr Cumming's attacker.

A £10,000 reward - made up of £5,000 from Crimestoppers and £5,000 from the Law Society of Scotland - has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

The suspect, who made off into Ormidale Terrace and the Roseburn area, is described as being in his twenties, of stocky build and wearing dark clothing and a dark balaclava.