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Racist attack in Edinburgh

Source: BBC, 22 September 2008

A gang of youths who racially assaulted a man in an upmarket Edinburgh suburb is being sought by police.

The attack happened at about 0200 BST on Saturday as the 22-year-old man, who is of Afro-Caribbean appearance, was in Leamington Walk, on Bruntsfield Links.

As he was walking he became aware of a group of about eight or nine youths sitting on benches close to the traffic lights opposite the Bruntsfield Hotel.

One of the youths made racist remarks and then punched him in the face.

The rest of the group then joined in the assault, hitting him on the face and head.

The assault lasted for several seconds. The victim walked off while the group of youths remained at the scene.

Although he did not require hospital treatment, the man has a bruised eye.

The first youth is mixed race, 16 to 18 years old, 5ft 3in to 5ft 8in, with closely shaved hair.

He was wearing a dark round-neck jumper and blue Adidas tracksuit bottoms, with white stripes down the legs.

A female attacker in the group, is white, of slim build, and was wearing a black vest top and short skirt with a pattern, possibly flowers.

There was also a white male in the gang, wearing a white sweatshirt with blue and green thin horizontal stripes.

The others are male, white, and between 15 to 18 years old.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "Although he wasn't seriously injured the victim was still extremely distressed as a result of this attack, and we are keen to speak to anyone with any information that can help us track down those responsible.

"Anyone who witnessed the assault, or who was in the area at the time and noticed the group of youths in the area of Bruntsfield Links, should contact police immediately.

"Anyone with any other information that can help identify the suspects should also get in touch."