Woman stabbed while walking home

Police said this type pf crime was rare

A woman is recovering after being stabbed in the stomach in an unprovoked attack in Edinburgh as she walked home.

The 36-year-old was walking in Dreghorn, along the north footpath of New Swanston, at about 2115 BST on Tuesday when the assault happened.

A man and woman, who were walking in the opposite direction, stopped her as they passed opposite Hainburn Park.

They engaged in a short conversation, before the woman produced a knife and stabbed the victim in the stomach.

The pair then escaped through a hole in a nearby fence, and were last seen walking along a footpath that leads to the Dreghorn Army estate.

We would like to stress that this type of crime is rare, however we will have additional officers on patrol in the area to reassure local residents Police spokesman

The victim was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where she was treated for her injuries, which are not life-threatening.

The female attacker was white, about 30 years old, of rough appearance. She was shaky and seemed under the influence of drugs.

She had shoulder-length, dark brown, lank hair, and was wearing a black three-quarter length jacket and jeans.

The man was white, about 40 years old, and also appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

A police spokesman said: "This was a completely unprovoked stabbing that left the victim requiring hospital treatment, and we are extremely anxious for information that can help us trace the suspects.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed the two suspects there, or who has any information that can assist our enquiries, should contact police immediately.

"We would like to stress that this type of crime is rare, however we will have additional officers on patrol in the area to reassure local residents."