A man has been hospitalised with a facial injury following an early hours ‘altercation’ outside an iconic Edinburgh hotel.
The 39-year-old was reportedly walking past the striking Balmoral on Princes Street on Sunday morning when he was involved in an incident with another man waiting in the queue for the taxi rank.
The victim was struck in the face, causing him to be rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment after the suspect fled the scene.
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He has since been released, but was reportedly ‘shaken’ by the alleged attack.
Emergency crews attended the busy pickup point - located on the corner of Princes Street and North Bridge - shortly after 1:20am on Sunday, February 6.
The victim was reportedly walking towards the rank when a man broke off from a group waiting for a taxi.
An “altercation” is then said to have taken place, before the 39-year-old suffered the injury.
The suspect, thought to be in his mid-30’s with a bald head and wearing dark covered clothing, fled in the direction of North Bridge towards the High Street following the incident.
Officers from Police Scotland have since reviewed CCTV footage from the outside of the hotel but have appealed for anyone else waiting at the rank to come forward with information as soon as possible.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe from Gayfield CID said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
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"We know the assault was seen by a large number of people who were waiting in a taxi queue and I am asking these people to contact us. Your information could important."
DC Lipscombe added: "Also, if anyone has any recorded footage from either dash cams or personal devices, please check it as it could provide us with vital details which would assist us in identifying whoever is responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 354 of 6 February, 2022. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where you can give your information anonymously.”
