Racist gang attack Asian man in West Lothian

A GANG viciously assaulted a Pakistani man after dragging him into a wood.

The 25-year-old was kicked and punched in the neck and stomach after he was dragged to the woodland area in Mid Calder, West Lothian, by a group of three men.

The attackers hurled racist abuse at the man before physically assaulting him.

The brutal assault was only stopped when the men were disturbed by headlights from a passing vehicle and they made off through the woodland in the direction of East Calder.

The victim was attacked on Wednesday night as he walked along Bank Street at around 11.40pm.

The Asian man was taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston where he was treated for injuries to his neck and stomach. He was released from hospital yesterday following treatment.

Police are now appealing for witnesses. They said the victim had grabbed one of his attackers, described as white, tall and aged in their early 20s, around the neck and may have left marks.

Detective Inspector Neil Robertson, of Livingston CID, said he was appalled at the incident.

He said: "We have spoken at length to the victim and we have no doubt this was racially motivated.

"They shouted racist abuse at him and then dragged him into a wooded area where they began assaulting him.

"It was fortunate that the headlights from a passing vehicle stopped them midway through their attack and made them flee. We are keen to trace that vehicle which would have been in Bank Street at about 11.40pm.

He added: "Also, the victim managed to grab one of his attackers during the struggle and may have left marks around his neck. Anyone who knows someone with unexplained marks around the neck area should contact police.

"That street is the main road in the village and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in Bank Street or any of the nearby pubs in case they saw or heard anything suspicious.

"It is shocking that such a racist assault could happen in a village like Mid Calder. There is no place in our society for these types of incidents which are fortunately quite rare.

"We would urge anyone who knows anything about the attack to contact police."

It is the latest racist attack to take place in West Lothian. Last year, a gang of teenagers shouted racist abuse and threw stones at an English community safety warden.