Dog stolen from owner in Edinburgh knife gang attack

Police are appealing for information after a dog was stolen from its owner following an assault on an Edinburgh street.

The incident happened shortly after midnight on Wednesday 24 April, when a 20-year-old man was walking his Shih Tzu Westie cross, Eccles, in Newhaven Place.

He was approached by an unknown man who began to assault him.

A second man exited a grey vehicle (similar to a Vauxhall Corsa) and also assaulted the victim.

The two men then walked the victim around the corner to Glenarm Place where he was confronted by a third male suspect and presented with a weapon.

The third suspect then stole the victim’s mobile phone and his dog.

The three men then assaulted the victim again before all three left in an unknown direction in the grey car.

The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention.

Eccles the dog, an eight-year-old female, is described as having a grey body with a white underside with dark patches.

She also has a recent spayed operation scar and wears a sparkly baby pink collar.

Detective Inspector Graham Grant of Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigation Department said:  “This was an appalling attack on a young man, which has resulted being traumatised and losing his family’s dog.

“This level of violence is completely unacceptable in our communities and we are eager to trace the three men responsible for this attack as soon as possible.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Newhaven area just after midnight on Wednesday, April 24, and has any information that might help our enquiries, to get in touch with us at their earliest convenience.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0087 of April 24, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.