By Christine Lavelle
POLICE believe an attack on a 21-year-old Indian man in Edinburgh at the weekend was racially motivated.
The victim was walking with a friend towards Market Street at around 3.40am on Saturday, when they passed a woman arguing with two men.
He stopped to assist the woman but was punched on the side of the head by one of the men, at which point three others turned up and joined the dispute.
The other man who had been shouting at the girl then turned on the victim, knocking his to the ground, before making off towards Princes Street with the rest of the group.
The young man was taken to St John’s Hospital where he was being treated for a broken jaw.
Lothian and Borders Police are now appealing for witnesses who can help them find those responsible.
A spokesman said: “This has been an appalling assault levied against the victim for no reason other than his race and his efforts to come to a young woman’s assistance.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who was on or around Waverly Bridge at about 3.40am and may have witnessed the assault.
“Lothian and Borders Police will not tolerate criminal activity based on prejudice against any individual or group and will robustly deal with anyone found to be responsible.”
