Two women have been stabbed and a hotel worker has been slashed in an attempted murder.

Emergency services were called to the Apex Hotel in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, shortly after 3.30am on Thursday.

Two women were standing at the vennel next to the hotel when they were approached by a man.

He then walked off towards Lothian Road but returned and stabbed the women.

A 60-year-old woman suffered a number of injuries to her body, with the attack being treated as an attempted murder.

The other woman, 58, was also stabbed in the face and mouth, which is being treated as a serious assault.

STV News understands a man, who worked at the hotel, came out to help the victims but then got slashed in the hand.

All three were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The two women are still being treated for their injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Inspector Grant Johnston said: "This appears to be an entirely random and unprovoked attack, which has left three people with some very serious injuries.

"As part of this investigation we are reviewing CCTV in the Grassmarket and are keen to hear from any members of the public who were in the area at the time and witnessed what happened, or who can help us trace the suspect."

The attacker is white, 5ft 10in, with an average build and dark eyebrows.

He was wearing a black beanie hat, dark jacket, black gloves, blue jeans and Nike trainers with a blue tick and white sole.

Inspector Johnston added: "In addition, should you have any other information relevant to this inquiry, then please also contact police immediately."

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We received a call at 3.31am to attend an incident on Grassmarket in Edinburgh.

"We dispatched three ambulances, our special operations team and a Rapid Response Unit to the scene.

"Two females and a male were conveyed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101.