A man suffered serious facial injuries in a "cowardly" attack in the centre of Edinburgh.

Police have appealed for witnesses following the assault in the Cowgate between 2am and 3am on Friday, June 16.

The 29-year-old was walking towards the Grassmarket when he was struck on the side of his face by another man and was knocked unconscious.

He sustained serious facial injuries and had to attend the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The suspect is described as white in his 20s with dark, brown hair and an English accent.

At the time of the incident he was wearing blue jeans and a shirt, and may have been with two other people shortly before the assault.

Detective Sergeant Jon Pleasance from Gayfield CID said: "This was a cowardly attack on a man who sustained serious facial injuries that required medical treatment.

"We're still conducting inquiries in order to establish the full circumstances and are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about who was responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.