Three sought after racist attack in Clerk Street Published duration 12 September 2011

Three people who racially attacked a man as he walked home in Edinburgh are being sought by police.

The incident took place at the traffic light junction at Clerk Street, near Nicholson Street, some time between 02:00 and 03:30 on Saturday.

The 34-year-old was approached by two men and a woman who talked to him before racially abusing him.

A struggle then ensued with one of the men and the women repeatedly knocking the victim to the ground.

The first attacker is described as white, 17-18-years-old, 5ft 9ins, of medium build and medium-length blond hair.

He was wearing a green top, grey tracksuit bottoms, white trainers and spoke with a Scottish accent.

'Unprovoked assault'

The second attacker is described as white, female, 17 years old, 5ft 6in, of skinny build and medium-length brown hair.

She was wearing a pink top and light-coloured jeans.

The third person, who is not believed to have been involved in the assault, was described as white, male, about 35 years old, 5ft 8in, of stocky build and short dark hair.

He was wearing a dark top and dark jeans.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "This was an entirely unprovoked assault which police are now treating as racially motivated and we are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

"At some point, the victim has lost his Tag Heuer watch, which is worth several hundred pounds.

"Officers are now investigating whether the suspects took it during the struggle.

"Lothian and Borders Police will not tolerate criminal behaviour motivated by prejudice and are committed to tackling all forms of hate crime.