Police investigate homophobic Edinburgh assault

An attack on two men outside a nightclub was a homophobic assault, police have said.

The attack took place in Edinburgh's Piccardy Place. Picture: Joey Kelly

A 26-year-old man left the Planet Out club and was walking in Piccardy Place, Edinburgh at around 12.20am on Saturday when he saw that his 27-year-old friend was lying on the ground.

He tried to help him when he was hit in the face by another man who made a homophobic remark then continued to attack them, police said.

The attacker left the area and headed towards Leith Walk with a woman.

He is between 20 and 25-years-old, around 5ft 8in, slim with blond hair that covers his ears. He was wearing a dark-blue top and light jeans.

Police say the attack was a hate crime and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

Detective Sergeant Andy MacMillan said: “This has been a random and unprovoked attack which left one of the victims with a painful injury to his eye that required medical attention.

“Given the comments heard by the other victim, we are treating this as a homophobic assault and would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in Piccardy Place in the early hours of Saturday morning to contact police immediately.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any other information relevant to this investigation, is also asked to come forward.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.