Sikh had his hair cut off in attack

The traumatised 15-year-old was set upon by four youths in Edinburgh in what police said was a sustained and unprovoked assault.

The boy was subjected to a tirade of racial abuse by the gang in the city's Pilrig Park before being kicked and punched to the ground. When the victim's bandana came loose, the youths then cut his hair off.

Lothian and Borders Police said that although he did not need hospital treatment, the teenager was left terrified by the attack on Tuesday.

Hair is a religious symbol for Sikhs, and it is strictly against the religion to have it cut. After the assault, which happened at around 7.30pm, the gang ran off across Pilrig Park before heading in the direction of nearby Leith Walk. It is not known what they used to cut the teenager's hair.

Officers have issued descriptions of the attackers and are appealing for witnesses.

A police spokesman said: "This was an extremely distressing attack on a young member of our community, who has been left traumatised by this incident. We would appeal to anyone who was in Pilrig Park last night and may have seen the incident to contact police."

The boy suffered bruising and swelling to his nose and both cheeks.

Leith has had a strong Sikh community since the 1950s, with the Sikh temple situated only yards from the park where the attack took place.

One Sikh woman, who asked not to be named, said: "This is the worst thing that can happen to a Sikh as their hair is their identity. Sikhs believe God created them the way they are, which is why they do not cut their hair or facial hair.

"Muslims and Hindus cut their hair, which is another reason it is such an important part of a Sikh person's identity. The boy would have been growing it for the 15 years he has been alive and must be absolutely devastated to have it taken from him in such a horrible manner." Rab Singh, 53, the vice-president of the Sikh Temple and a spokesman for the Sikh community, said it was the first time he had heard of such an attack and hoped it was an isolated incident.

Mr Singh said: "I have lived in Leith all my life and have never heard of anything like this anywhere in the country before. We would hope this will be a one-off incident and we can return to living our calm and peaceful lives."

The four suspects are all described as being aged around 16.

Two of them were wearing dark Adidas tracksuit bottoms and dark beanie-style hats. Another was wearing a black Helly Hansen jacket, while the final suspect was said to be wearing dark clothing.

Witnesses should contact Gayfield Square police station.

The traumatised 15-year-old was set upon by four youths in Edinburgh in what police said was a sustained and unprovoked assault.

The boy was subjected to a tirade of racial abuse by the gang in the city's Pilrig Park before being kicked and punched to the ground. When the victim's bandana came loose, the youths then cut his hair off.

Lothian and Borders Police said that although he did not need hospital treatment, the teenager was left terrified by the attack on Tuesday.

Hair is a religious symbol for Sikhs, and it is strictly against the religion to have it cut. After the assault, which happened at around 7.30pm, the gang ran off across Pilrig Park before heading in the direction of nearby Leith Walk. It is not known what they used to cut the teenager's hair.

Officers have issued descriptions of the attackers and are appealing for witnesses.

A police spokesman said: "This was an extremely distressing attack on a young member of our community, who has been left traumatised by this incident. We would appeal to anyone who was in Pilrig Park last night and may have seen the incident to contact police."

The boy suffered bruising and swelling to his nose and both cheeks.

Leith has had a strong Sikh community since the 1950s, with the Sikh temple situated only yards from the park where the attack took place.

One Sikh woman, who asked not to be named, said: "This is the worst thing that can happen to a Sikh as their hair is their identity. Sikhs believe God created them the way they are, which is why they do not cut their hair or facial hair.

"Muslims and Hindus cut their hair, which is another reason it is such an important part of a Sikh person's identity. The boy would have been growing it for the 15 years he has been alive and must be absolutely devastated to have it taken from him in such a horrible manner."

Rab Singh, 53, the vice-president of the Sikh Temple, said it was the first time he had heard of such an attack and hoped it was an isolated incident.

Mr Singh said: "I have lived in Leith all my life and have never heard of anything like this anywhere in the country before. We would hope this will be a one-off incident and we can return to living our calm and peaceful lives."

The four suspects are all described as being aged around 16.

Two of them were wearing dark Adidas tracksuit bottoms and dark beanie-style hats. Another was wearing a black Helly Hansen jacket, while the final suspect was said to be wearing dark clothing.

Witnesses should contact Gayfield Square police station.

Article by Brian Donnelly (The Herald)