Racist bottle attack as man walked home

The 50-year-old needed emergency surgery after being attacked with a bottle at around 11.45pm on Tuesday as he walked to his flat in Lochview Court, next to Dumbiedykes Road.

Police say it appears he was targeted for no other reason than the colour of his skin, and have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses.

The victim was beaten repeatedly over the head with a bottle before the attacker ran off but managed to reach home after being offered help by a passer-by.

He called police and was rushed to hospital where he received surgery for a severe gash to the left side of his head.

Local residents today spoke of their shock and fear after the attack.

Anne Thomson, 46, a Lochview Court resident, said: “I won’t be going out at night if someone can be attacked with a bottle like that.

“The fact it was racial makes me feel sick.”

A father of four who also lives in Lochview Court, said: “It’s very, very bad this has happened. I feel less safe here.

“Generally the block is OK – there’s not been a problem like this at all in the last two years.”

Councillor Cammy Day, community safety leader and Labour group member for Forth, said it was a “sick and disgusting attack”.

“It shows there is an urgent and dire need for anti-racism work in the city to continue. These attacks are few and far between but one such attack is one too many.”

The suspect is described as around five feet five inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a hooded jacket with a hood over his face.

DC Fiona McEwan, who is leading the inquiry, said: “This appears to be a random and entirely unprovoked assault and we are currently treating the attack as racially motivated.

“The victim is currently in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area around midnight this morning and remembers seeing anything suspicious to come forward.

“In particular, we would like to trace the man who came to his aid following the assault and would ask this individual to contact police.

“Similarly, anyone with any other information that can assist officers is also asked to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0131 311 3131.