Police appeal for information after businessman is beaten and robbed

A GANG of thugs burst into the home of an Asian businessman before beating him and stealing jewellery.

Bindi Singh, who owns a string of businesses in Edinburgh, was targeted in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Up to six men burst into his home in the capital’s Hillpark Grove and assaulted him before making off with the valuables.

Police have declined to give details of what was stolen but Asian families have previously been targeted in their homes by criminals looking for gold.

The family’s Range Rover and Ferrari were left untouched.

Mr Singh is said to own up to 11 stores in the Old Town area, including souvenir shops, several newsagents and the Scottish Experience, in the Lawnmarket. He is not connected to the Gold Brothers empire, who have been involved in a string of legal wrangles over their “tartan tat” stores in the Old Town.

Police said the break-in happened some time between 3:15am and 6am and that a 48-year-old man had been assaulted. Officers said yesterday there was no description available of the men involved. A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police urged members of the public to come forward with information.

He said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area any time between 2am and 6am on Sunday morning, and who may have seen something suspicious, to get in touch with police.”

Last night the police refused to speculate on the motive for the break-in.