A taxi driver had part of his ear bitten off after a fight broke out in his cab. The driver was attacked by two men after picking them up at an address in Edinburgh.

Police said the 34-year-old will need reconstructive surgery following the "vicious assault" on Sunday. Officers have launched a hunt for the men, who were picked up along with two women at around 3.30am near Fala Court on the city's Gracemount Drive. An argument broke out and the driver had part of his left ear bitten off. All four passengers then ran off.

A Lothian and Borders police spokesman said: "This was a particularly vicious assault which has left the victim needing reconstructive surgery on his ear. "We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the suspects or anyone matching their descriptions to come forward and contact the police. "We are also keen to trace the two women who were with the suspects."

The attackers are described as about 20, white and slim. One had short dark hair with blonde highlights at the front and was wearing a green jacket and jeans. The other was wearing a blue and white jumper and jeans.