Soldiers slashed in gang attack

The pair were taken to the city's Royal Infirmary with serious injuries

Two soldiers recently returned from Iraq were stabbed and slashed by a gang of six men as they walked back to their Edinburgh barracks after a night out.

The victims were taken to the city's Royal Infirmary with serious injuries after the attack in Dreghorn Gardens in the early hours of Friday morning.

Police said the wounds could have been caused by a knife or broken glass.

The pair, aged 22 and 25, from the Royal Scots Borders, returned from a tour of duty in Iraq six weeks ago.

They had been enjoying a night out in the capital as the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland had been given a long weekend after the Minden Day parade on Thursday.

The 25-year-old suffered a laceration to his head and the 22-year-old received a puncture wound to his back when they were attacked by the gang near the Dreghorn Barracks.

Lothian and Borders Police said they were investigating the incident and were appealing for witnesses.

An Army police spokesman said Lothian and Borders Police have complete jurisdiction over the case, but that Military Police would provide any assistance needed.

He would not confirm if the men were now off work due to medical confidentiality.