Police hunt men in balaclavas following Edinburgh abduction and attempted murder
They used a car fitted with blue lights
Police say the abduction and attempted murder of a man by a balaclava-clad gang of suspects in Edinburgh was a 'targeted attack' which showed 'shocking' levels of violence.
They were called to reports of a group of men fighting with weapons in Claremont Court around 10.45pm last night.
Detectives believe a 26-year-old was pulled from his grey Audi S5 at the scene into another car, assaulted, driven at and left in nearby McDonald Road shortly afterwards.
He was taken to hospital with injuries which are described as not life-threatening.
His Audi was found alight in Portobello's Magdalene Avenue in the early hours of this morning.
Officers are now appealing for help to find four suspects, who were wearing balaclavas and used a hatchback fitted with blue flashing lights for the abduction.
A white van was also spotted leaving the scene at the time.
'Shocking violence and intimidation'
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “The level of violence and intimidation shown during this incident is shocking and thankfully the victim was not left seriously injured. We believe this was a targeted attack.
“The suspects involved in his abduction from Claremont Court are believed to have arrived at the scene in two vehicles, the first a dark coloured hatchback, and the second a white van. Witnesses have reported there being four men, all wearing balaclavas.
“I’d urge anyone who witnessed the incidents in Claremont Court or McDonald Road to come forward and speak to officers.
"We’re especially keen for anyone who may have captured the incidents on dash cam or private CCTV to check their systems and provide relevant footage to us.
“The dark-coloured hatchback vehicle the suspects used had blue lights activated on top of the dashboard at the front windscreen. This was not a police vehicle. I’d urge anyone who knows more about this vehicle, or could help us trace it and those connected to it, to get in contact with officers as soon as possible."
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 3764 of 6 October. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.