Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Edinburgh city centre in the early hours of this morning.
The 28-year-old man, who is Indian, was walking with two other friends along the west end of Princes Street near Curry’s, around 3am, when a man approached from behind and made a racist comment towards the group. He then punched the man and knocked him to the ground before running off along Princes Street.
The man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for facial injuries.
The suspect is described as being white with short dark hair, 5ft 8 – 9ins tall with a muscular build. He was wearing a dark-coloured jacket, dark trousers and white trainers.
Detective Sergeant Mark McCulloch said: -“This has been an entirely unprovoked assault which has left a young man requiring hospital treatment.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, and who might recognise the description of the suspect, to contact us on 101.
“The area would have been busy with taxis and people walking home from nights out, so we are keen to talk to anyone who might have some further information to come forward.
“This is being treated as a hate crime, and we are offering the man the relevant support and assistance at this time.”
Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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