A man is in hospital with serious head injuries after an "unprovoked" attack off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

The victim had just left the Whistle Binkies bar on South Bridge and was walking towards North Bridge when he was approached by a man at around 3am on Friday.

He hit him on the head before making off on the Royal Mile, heading east.

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

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid 30s, who was 5ft 10in with a medium build and a bald head.

At the time of the attack he wore a light coloured jacket, black T-shirt and jeans.

Detective sergeant Paul Greig said: "This would appear to have been a completely unprovoked attack that unfortunately resulted in an innocent man being seriously assaulted.

"The victim had been enjoying a night out when the suspect approached him and attacked him for no obvious reason.

"Our inquiries into this matter are ongoing and I today appeal to anyone who recognises the description of the attacker or who may have been in the area of North Bridge during the early hours of Friday to come forward immediately."

Anyone with information should call 101 or charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.