Police seek witnesses to Pilton racist attack

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after two men were subjected to a racist attack in West Pilton Terrace last night (Monday).

Two 18-year-old men, of Arabian and Pakistani ethnicity, were walking home at around 9pm when they reached the junction with West Granton Road. A group of male youths began to shout racial abuse at the pair before throwing rocks and stones at them.

The suspects then chased both victims into their home address before continuing to throw objects at the house, breaking a front window.

Officers are following a positive line of enquiry to identify a number of those believed to be involved in this attack but are urging anyone who can assist with their investigation to come forward.

Inspector David Happs said: “As a result of being struck by rocks, one of the victims suffered an injury to his arm. In addition the property both men share was also damaged and we are undertaking a thorough enquiry to bring those responsible to justice.

“This incident is being treated as racially motivated and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the West Pilton Terrace area on Monday evening and witnessed the disturbance or who saw anything suspicious.

“In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to contact police immediately.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms and the local community can rest assured we are devoting appropriate resources to this investigation and offering all the necessary support to both victims.”

Those with information can contact

Police Scotland on 101

or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Anti-fascism festival at Summerhall this Saturday

Edinburgh Unite Against Fascism proudly presents this Saturday (24 November):

the Love Multiculture Hate Racism Festival

celebrating our multi-cultural society with music, song, dance and comedy.

The festival line-up just gets better and better. In the last week we have confirmed: Bollywood dancers, award winning singer Penny Stone, an Indian Stick Dancer, acoustic sets from James Campbell & Scottish folk singer Eileen Penman.

The daytime cultural event will start at 3pm with jazz from Alistair McDonald backed by “Quatro Macjazz”! Between 3 and 7pm we will squeeze in a packed lineup including an African choir, Indian and Kurdish dance workshops, Indian head massage, drummers, Henna Hand painting and speeches by Show Racism the Red Card and Martin Smith from Unite Against Fascism.

Asian and Turkish food, tea and coffee and entry is by donation.

The comedy packed evening will start with the BAFTA nominated rapper Northern Xposure who has performed with Dizzee Rascal and Amy Winehouse. Then Scottish Comedian of the Year runner up Rick Molland will MC a night of four rowdy
comedians, headlined by “the lord of filth” Richard Coughlan. Your entry fee of £5 includes a free curry courtesy of the Kasbah restaurant and there will be an all-night bar. Doors open at 7.30pm, the event starts at 8pm.

Both these events will be hosted at the Summerhall Art Gallery which is showing a great exhibition of anti-racist posters. Entry from Hope Park Terrace – we apologise but there is no wheelchair access.

Facebook event: please invite your friends!: http://www.facebook.com/events/482507955105412/

United Against Fascism Edinburgh