DOCTORS were last night trying to rebuild the face of a German student who was savagely beaten by two ''punks'' as he used an Edinburgh phonebox.
The 22-year-old student, who was in Scotland to study at Edinburgh University's summer school, was in a phonebox at Bruntsfield at 11.25 pm on Tuesday when he was grabbed by two thugs.
Punching him repeatedly, the two attackers, one of whom had a Mohican hair style, carried out what detectives described as a terrifying assault by kicking him repeatedly in the face, then running off with his wallet when he passed out.
A passer-by called an ambulance, and the student was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where surgeons tried to repair injuries including shattered bones in his face and a torn eyelid.
However, doctors say the student could be permanently disfigured.
A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: ''This was vicious attack on a young student who now has some terrible injuries to his face.
''There are a number of punks camping in the Meadows for the annual punk festival, and we are asking any who recognise the descriptions to contact us.''
Both attackers are described as 16-25 years, 5ft 6in wearing yellow or beige tops and beige trousers. One has a dark brown short Mohican hair style.
Anyone with information can contact the police on 0131 229 2323.
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