Thugs smash soldier's face on his way back to barracks

A SOLDIER was today recovering from a broken nose and fractured jaw after being beaten unconscious by a group of thugs as he walked back to his barracks.

Army chiefs said the 20-year-old private had returned to Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik where he was being treated by medical staff and welfare officers.

Police have carried put door-to-door inquiries in the town's Loanhead Avenue and neighbouring streets in the wake of the unprovoked assault.

Residents said there had been problems with conflict between locals and soldiers based at the barracks in previous years.

The squaddie – a chef attached to the Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland – was knocked out by the large group of men shortly after he was dropped off by a taxi.

The thugs kicked and punched the serviceman – who was wearing civilian clothes – before leaving him lying unconscious on the ground in what police described as a "prolonged assault".

A woman found the victim struggling to his feet and helped him back to the nearby barracks where police and ambulance were called.

The soldier was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was treated for his injuries before being released.

The attack happened on Loanburn Avenue, near the junction of Eastfield Drive – just a mile from the barracks which are home to the battalion, who are pencilled in for a trip to Afghanistan in the autumn.

An army spokeswoman said: "The soldier who was assaulted has returned to the barracks, and welfare and medical staff are looking after him. We are assisting police with their inquiry."

William Webster, 75, a retired warehouse manager who lives across the street from where the incident took place, said: "There has been trouble between people from the town and the soldiers in the past. I don't how they would know he was a soldier if he was in civvies.

"It's terrible that something like this has happened."

His wife, Wilma, 72, a retired office worker, said: "I can't believe they picked on a guy walking on his own like that. It's such a shame that he's been hurt, especially being a soldier."

Another resident said: "There have been fights between soldiers and people from Penicuik in previous years because there could be jealously there."

Police are now appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the attack to come forward.

A police spokesman said: "This has been a horrendous and random attack on one individual by a large group that has resulted in serious injury to the victim.

"Anyone who was in the area and can assist us in identifying those responsible is asked to contact police immediately.

"We are particularly keen to speak to the woman who came to the man's aid."