The 42-year-old was walking towards Leith Walk from Duke Street at around 10.35pm yesterday, and had just reached the junction between the two streets when a man approached and punched him to the head.
As a result of the assault, the victim fell to the ground where he was then kicked and punched to the head and body before the suspect made off towards the TESCO car park at Crown Street.
The man suffered deep cuts to his face and around his eye and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Anyone who can help identify the man responsible is now asked come forward.
The suspect is described as white, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 11ins tall with a medium build. He was wearing a green hooded top with the hood up obscuring his face and white trainers with a dark sole.
A police spokesman said: “Detectives are conducting local enquiries to trace this male and to establish the circumstances surrounding this totally unprovoked attack.
“We believe Leith walk would have been quite busy at the time and anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious, or who has any other information that can assist with our investigation is asked to contact police immediately.”
Those with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
