A serious assault on a man in Edinburgh is being treated as attempted murder by police.

The 24-year-old was walking on a cycle path near to Connaught Place around 7.50pm on Monday when he was approached by two teenage boys who attempted to steal his mobile phone.

The pair then attacked the man leaving him with serious injuries to his arms and abdomen.

Police said the victim was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The suspects are both described as white, aged in their mid to late-teens and wearing dark trousers.

One was wearing a dark hooded top and the other a top in a lighter colour.

Police added that one of the youths was wearing black Adidas trainers and it is believed both spoke with a Scottish accent.

Detective inspector Kevin Harkins, of Gayfield CID, said: "This was an unprovoked and brutal attack that has left the victim with serious injuries.

"I am eager to hear from anyone who may have been in the area close to Connaught Place last night and who saw what happened.

"Similarly, anyone who has any information to assist with our inquiries into this incident, and in tracing those involved, is asked to contact officers immediately."