A MAN has suffered a broken jaw in a homophobic attack in Edinburgh.
The 24-year-old victim was with a group of friends when they were confronted by three men near Waverley Bridge just after midnight on Sunday.
The men shouted homophobic abuse at the group before one of them punched the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground. The trio then ran off towards Princes Street.
The victim was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he is being treated for a broken jaw.
Police have described the attack as “cowardly and vicious” and are appealing for witnesses.
A police spokesman said: “This was a cowardly and vicious assault and due to the comments made prior to the attack, officers are treating this as homophobic.
“Anyone who was in or around Waverley Bridge about midnight this morning and saw anything suspicious, or who can help identify the suspects is asked to contact police immediately.
“Lothian and Borders Police will not tolerate hate crime in any form and will robustly deal with anyone found to be responsible.”
The first man is black and in his early twenties. He is around 5ft 6 and of medium build, and was wearing a black hooded top, black and yellow scarf and black trousers.
The second man is white and around 21 years old. He is, tall, with a slim build, dark blonde hair, and was wearing a red top.
The third man is white, 20-25 years, 5ft 7, average build, and was wearing a dark hooded top.
