Witness appeal after man pepper sprayed

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault in
the George Street area of Bathgate which took place around 11.25am on Friday, 7
February, when a 41-year-old man was sprayed in the face with a pepper spray
type substance by another man following an altercation.

The man responsible then walked off. He is described as
white, aged in his mid-30s, and was wearing dark clothing and carrying a
walking stick.

Detective Constable Sam Plastow, of Livingston CID, said:
“The man who was assaulted was taken to hospital and returned home after
treatment. Fortunately he has not suffered any long term effects as a result of
being exposed to a noxious substance.

“It was the middle of the morning and the street would have
been very busy at this time with people shopping and going about their
day-to-day business and we would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened.

“If you have any information please call Police Scotland on
101, quoting incident 1209 of Friday, 7 February, or contact the charity Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.”