Police have confirmed they are treating an attack on two men in the city centre on Friday night as a hate crime. 

The two men were targeted by a group of thugs in what was a homophobic attack. 

The incident happened in Leith Street, near to the John Lewis department store, at around 9.20pm. 

Today Detective Inspector Mark McGraw said: “The investigation into an assault and robbery against two men on Leith Street, Edinburgh on Friday 30 July is ongoing and being treated as a hate crime.

“We understand hate crimes can have a huge impact on those targeted, and an attack on people because of their sexual orientation, gender, race or beliefs, is not only abhorrent but will not be tolerated. 

“Anyone who was in the Leith Street area of Edinburgh at around 9.20pm on Friday, 30 July, and may have information that could assist with our enquiry is urged to contact Police Scotland, quoting reference number 3663 of 30 July.”