Man hospitalised after ‘brutal’ homophobic attack in Edinburgh city centre

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A man was at the weekend admitted to hospital after being subjected to a “brutal” homophobic attack in Edinburgh.

Three men approached the victim who was walking with another man on Johnston Terrace, before verbally abusing him.

He was then punched to the ground and kicked in the face.

The three men fled after being chased by two passers-by, but managed to get away.

Police Scotland has since put out an appeal for information on the attack, which took place at 3.10am on Saturday morning.

Constable Neil McIntyre said: “This was a brutal, unprovoked and homophobic attack on an innocent member of the public and I am very keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly the two men who came to the victim’s aid before giving chase to the three suspects.

“We have descriptions of two of the men who carried out this vicious assault, and both are described as being white British men in their mid-20s, with one being 5 foot 6 inches in height and the other being 6 foot tall.

“The first man had short, dirty blonde hair, was clean shaven and was wearing a black cardigan or jumper, while his taller companion had olive skin and black hair and was wearing a white top with long sleeves.

“Anyone who witnessed this assault, came to the aid of the victim or gave chase to the suspects, is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or they can provide the information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Following the attack, the victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.