Detectives condemn 'racist thugs'

The attack happened in the capital's busiest shopping street

Detectives have launched a search after what they have called an "outrageous" racist attack on a 20-year-old man in Edinburgh.

Police said the victim's turban was torn off during the assault in broad daylight in Princes Street.

The attackers were said to have shouted racist remarks at their victim, before beating him up.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We are seeking two racist thugs."

The man turned round after hearing the taunts and the pair pushed him, punched him in the face and pulled his jacket off, as well as his turban.

The victim was then held by one man and punched by the other.

This was an atrocious assault on a respectable young man Lothian and Borders Police

The attack only stopped when two passers-by intervened and the culprits ran off.

Investigators are still looking for witnesses, although the assault happened more than a week ago.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "This was an atrocious assault on a respectable young man.

"There were lots of people around at a very busy time on the busiest road in the city centre at the time. This outrageous behaviour is entirely unacceptable."

The attackers were described as white and in their late teens. One was wearing denims, the other a white tracksuit.