Couple left with 'bruised jaw and bloodied nose' after 'feral youths attack'

A couple say they were left battered and shaken after a pair of “feral” teenage girls allegedly launched a vicious assault at a busy bus stop.

The terrifying ordeal unfolded in Edinburgh city centre on Thursday night, just as the pair were heading home from enjoying the Fringe Festival.

The boyfriend and girlfriend, who do not wish to be named, had grabbed some food before making their way to the Princes Street stop opposite Castle Street to catch the number 19 bus.

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But instead of a quiet trip home, they claim they were ambushed by two youths, both dressed in white crop tops and denim jeans, who began hurling abuse before lashing out.

The woman, who lives with Ehler Danlos syndrome - a rare condition that causes her joints to dislocate - was punched in the face, while her partner was left with a bloody nose after trying to shield her, Edinburgh Live reports.

She said: “We were going to get the 19 and just as we arrived two young girls tried to get past us, telling us to get out their way. One of them said her pal was steaming.

"The taller girl then came back shouting abuse at us — and suddenly they just launched at us, throwing punches. My partner took the worst of it because he was trying to protect me. With my condition, if they had hit me in the wrong place I could’ve ended up in hospital.”

Witnesses called police and tried to step in, but the couple say the attackers returned minutes later, spitting more abuse and landing another blow.

“As I had my back to them, one of the girls punched me in the back of the head, knocking me to the floor,” the woman said. “A witness had to wrap her arms around me to stop them from hitting me again.”

Her boyfriend, who had already suffered a burst nose, had his clothes torn as he tried to pull the girls away. The pair eventually fled the scene with a male friend, who reportedly did not get involved.

The woman added: “It’s a shame you can’t go out for a nice night and come home safe. These younger kids think they can get away with anything, and unfortunately, they do.”

Pictures of the alleged culprits have since been shared online, showing the two girls appearing aggressive.

Police Scotland confirmed: “Around 10.30pm on Thursday, 14 August, we received a report of a disturbance on Princes Street in Edinburgh. A 34-year-old man sustained a minor injury that did not require medical treatment. Enquiries are ongoing.”