The victim was at the junction of Melville Terrace and Sciennes sometime after 6am when he was approached by two men.

As they passed him he felt what he believed was a kick to the back of his right leg which caused him to fall to the ground. The suspects made off in an unknown direction.

The victim continued on his way until he reached the High Street where he hailed a taxi and realised his leg was bleeding.

He was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment to the injury which is believed to have been caused by broken glass or bottle.

The suspects are both described as being white, 17 to 18 years, with local accents and wearing casual clothing. One was 5ft 7ins tall, skinny build, thin face and had shoulder length straight blond hair. The second was 5ft 10ins tall, heavy build, with black cropped hair.

A police spokesman said: "We would appeal to anyone who may have been in the Melville Terrace/Sciennes area of the city at that time on New Year's Day and remembers seeing these two suspects to contact police."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

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