Hunt for racist thugs who beat victim unconscious

POLICE were today hunting a pair of thugs who launched a racist attack on a man moments after he left a George Street nightclub with a group of friends.

• Officers say the attack on George Street, above, left 22-year-old man 'badly shaken'

The 22-year-old victim, who was born in the Capital but has Chinese heritage, was set upon by the suspects, who beat him unconscious in the unprovoked assault.

The victim and his four friends, both men and women, had just left the Lulu nightclub at 1am yesterday when they were confronted by the two men.

The suspects hurled racist abuse at the friends before suddenly punching the victim in the head, knocking him to the pavement. While he lay helpless on the ground, the pair repeatedly kicked the victim in the head and body until he lost consciousness before fleeing.

The victim was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment to facial cuts and bruises, and an injured leg. He was released from hospital yesterday morning.

The incident comes less than two weeks after a 37-year-old mixed-race man was left scarred for life after being glassed in the City Limits bar on Leith Walk after being racially absued. And last month, an Indian shop assistant suffered a broken jaw after being beaten by a gang of racist thugs when he tried to stop them attacking a woman.

Detectives today said the latest race attack victim, who had been due to start a new job next week, had been left "badly shaken" by his ordeal as they appealed for witnesses to come forward. Officers believe the suspects may have been drinking in pubs or clubs in the area, and plan to visit venues in the hope that door staff can identify them.

Detective Constable Gavin Watson, who is leading the investigation from Gayfield Square police station, said: "The victim had just left Lulu and was walking with his friends along George Street when they were confronted by these men.

"The suspects made racial remarks to their group before launching the assault against the victim. The victim did not have a chance to defend himself as he was attacked very suddenly and without provocation. There doesn't seem to be any reason why he was singled out from the friends to be attacked.This was a racially-motivated attack and the victim has been left badly shaken and shocked by what has happened."

Both suspects are described as white and in their 20s. They were around 5ft 8in tall and had medium builds. One of the suspects was wearing a red/dark pink top, while the other was wearing a white top.

DC Watson added: "It seems George Street was fairly busy at the time so it's likely that witnesses saw the attack, or saw the two suspects running away."

Councillor Charles Dundas, whose ward includes George Street, said: "I condemn this unprovoked racist attack and I would urge anyone who has any information on the incident to come forward."