Man’s nose broken in cream attack

A MAN had his nose broken in an unprovoked attack – before being doused in cream by his attacker.

The 49-year-old was walking east along Lauriston Place, opposite the Oriental Supermarket, when a man punched him in the face, breaking his nose and causing him to drop his shopping bag.

A struggle ensued and the victim was chased for a short distance while his attacker shouted threats.

The suspect then threw a carton of cream at the man before making off.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the assault, which took place at around 10.10pm on Wednesday night, to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “This unprovoked attack was as violent as it was unusual, with the victim suffering a broken nose, being subjected to verbal threats and having a carton of cream thrown at him.

“The carton burst and splashed on to a passing cyclist and we would be eager for them to come forward and assist with our inquiries.

“Similarly, anyone else who witnessed the attack or who recognises the description of the suspect and can assist officers in identifying him, is asked to contact police immediately.”

The suspect is described as white, in his early 30s and 5ft 11ins tall.

He had a slim build and strawberry blond facial hair, and was wearing dark-coloured jeans and a grey hooded top with a red logo on the chest and the hood up.

Lib Dem councillor for the city centre, Charles Dundas, condemned the attack.

He said: “This is not something that happens in Edinburgh every day.

“I don’t think we should let the details about the cream get in the way of the fact that this was a very serious assault on someone, and it’s something that we don’t want Edinburgh to be associated with.

“I would urge people after dark, particularly late evenings, to look after themselves.

“If anyone has any information that could help police in tracking down the attacker, I would urge them to come forward.”