Police still hunting for thugs who beat victim and stole Eccles the dog

Police have confirmed that inquiries are still on going into the brutal beating of a man and the snatching of family pet, Eccles.

Eccles, an eight-year-old female Shih Tzu Westie Cross, is described as having a grey body with a white underside with dark patches. She also has a recent spayed operation scar and wears a sparkly baby pink collar.

The incident happened on Newhaven Place in the Newhaven area of the city shortly after midnight on Wednesday, April 24.

Eccles, an eight-year-old female Shih Tzu Westie Cross, is described as having a grey body with a white underside with dark patches. She also has a recent spayed operation scar and wears a sparkly baby pink collar.

The 20-year-old man who was walking Eccles was approached while walking his family's beloved Shih Tzu Westie cross in Newhaven Place.

The two men then walked the victim around the corner to Glenarm Place where he was confronted by a third male suspect who had a weapon.

This third suspect then stole the victim’s mobile phone and his beloved dog.

The three men then assaulted the victim again before all three left in an unknown direction in the grey car.

The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention. Police were called and officers are now investigating.

The first suspect is described as a white man between the ages of 30-40-years-old. He is around 5ft 9” to 6ft in height with a stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket with white logo on the left sleeve, black trousers, black shoes, and a black beanie hat. He spoke with a Glaswegian accent.

The third suspect is described as a male between the ages of 20-30-years-old. He has a medium build and short dark hair. He was wearing a dark grey long sleeved top with black sides, black joggers and red trainers.

Detective Inspector Graham Grant of Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigation Department said during the initial appeal: “This was an appalling attack on a young man, which has resulted being traumatised and losing his family’s dog.

“This level of violence is completely unacceptable in our communities and we are eager to trace the three men responsible for this attack as soon as possible.

Today, a Police Scotland Spokesperson confirmed the thugs were still at large, and that Eccles what yet to be located, saying: "Inquiries are ongoing into the serious assault and subsequent taking of Eccles the dog in Newhaven on April 24."

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0087 of April 24, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.