Race hate attack on Asian man

Source: Evening News
2 March 2009

An Asian man was slashed with a weapon and racially abused by two thugs while he sat in his car just minutes before a teenage boy was attacked in the same street. Both assaults happened within quick succession in the early hours of Saturday morning in Viewcraig Street.

The first incident happened around 3.35am when the 35-year-old man was subjected to racial abuse from two men before being punched in the head and slashed on his hand while sitting in his vehicle.

The second incident took place five minutes later when a 19-year-old man received serious facial injuries after being assaulted. Police believe the same two men were responsible.

The suspects are believed to have been part of a group men and women.

The first male is described as white, 6ft tall with short black hair and wearing a cream jumper.

The second male is described as white with a slim build and blonde hair. He was wearing a green hoodie and dark Adidas bottoms.

A police spokesman said: "We are treating both these assaults extremely seriously and are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw either incident to contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspects and can provide information to help with our enquiries should also come forward."

Anyone with any information can contact police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.