by SHAUN MILNE
A GANG of four thugs beat and slashed a terrified 19-year-old man as he made his way home from a night out with friends early this morning.
The victim had to be taken to hospital and treated to wounds to his forearms after frantically trying to defend himself from the brutal assault which happened between 12.30am and 1am in Bonnyrigg, East Lothian.
Police investigating the incident said it appeared to have been “unprovoked” and yesterday began scouring local CCTV cameras for hopes of finding the gang who pounced as he walked down Rosewell Road and Skeltiemuir Avenue.
The man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment but has since been released.
He could only tell police that the four were about the same age, white, with at least one of them carrying some kind of weapon.
Police officers, led by Detective Constable Stewart Campbell, are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesman said: “This is a serious incident that has left a young man requiring medical attention for his injuries.
“Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious should contact police immediately.”
Lothian and Borders Police can be reached on 0131 311 3131.
