Two masked thugs jumped out a van and ambushed a man on a Musselburgh street in broad daylight.
The victim, a 24-year-old man, was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries after being attacked at around 5,40pm on Tuesday (21 April).
Police in East Lothian want anyone with information about the assault, which happened on Stoneyhill Farm Road close to Musselburgh Rugby Club, to come forward.
Officers say the male victim was alone on the street when two men jumped out a "white long wheel base Ford Transit van" and carried out a violent attack.
The suspects are described as around 6ft tall and were both wearing masks and gloves.
Detective Constable Jack Wall, of Dalkeith CID, said: “We believe this was a targeted attack and we are looking for the public’s assistance to help trace those involved.
“I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and has any information about what happened to get in contact with police.
“If there are any drivers with possible dashcam footage of the area around this time, I would urge you to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 2613 of Tuesday, 21 April.
