Attackers tried to hack off a man's hands and legs with a machete, resulting in what doctors say are the "the worst injuries doctors have seen”.
Medics were yesterday battling to save one of the 28-year-old’s terribly wounded hands after police say he was “targeted” by thugs.
His assailants held him down in the horror attack in Pilton, Edinburgh, and tried to hack off his hands and legs.
Police said two vehicles, later found burnt out, were believed to have been used by the attackers. They have launched an attempted murder probe.
A source close to the investigation told the Daily Record: “He has some of the worst injuries doctors have seen in a while. They are truly horrific.
“The doctors are trying to save his hand but it’s difficult to say what will happen. The attackers tried to chop off his hands and legs while holding him down.”
Sources say the assault is part of a new gang war which has erupted between rival groups in the Scottish capital.
It was the first of two assaults with a machete in less than 24 hours in the city and officers said they are keeping an “open mind” on whether the incidents are linked.
The badly injured man, who is being treated at the Western General Hospital, was assaulted at about on Thursday, January 5.
The following evening, convicted heroin dealer Edmond Reid – who has links to Scots cocaine kingpin Mark Richardson – was confronted by a man wearing a balaclava and brandishing a machete.
Reid, 36, escaped unhurt from the incident.
The man injured in Pilton is said to have “life-changing injuries” as treatment continues.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen two vehicles, a dark coloured VW Golf and a blue Ford Focus ST, in the area at the time.
A blue Ford Focus ST was discovered burnt out at Fyles Farm, Tranent, East Lothian, on Saturday, January 7, while a dark coloured VW Golf was found burnt out on the same day.
A police spokesman said: “Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information to come forward.
“We believe this was a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.”
