Investigation into ‘attack’ on Edinburgh poppy seller dropped due to ‘lack of evidence’
British Transport Police[1] has said there is “insufficient evidence” to substantiate claims that a poppy seller was attacked at an Edinburgh train station during a protest over the weekend. We previously told how veteran Jim Henderson, 78, claimed he was ‘punched and shoved’ at Edinburgh Waverley[2] after more than 1,000 protestors took over the station on Saturday. However, after the incident was reported to British Transport Police, Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan has released a statement confirming that the investigation will not progress any further at this time.
He said the decision was made after reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to “key witnesses” while adding that the British Transport Police have no reason to believe poppy sellers are at any risk of being targeted. The force also confirmed a second incident within the busy city centre station was reported to them on Saturday as a 41-year-old male has been arrested in connection with a racially aggravated public order offence.
Jim Henderson alleged he was assaulted at the train station. (Image: Getty)
A statement read: “Two separate offences were reported to British Transport Police in relation to an incident at Edinburgh Waverley Station on Saturday, November 4. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters[5] for more headlines straight to your inbox
“The first incident reported to us was a racially aggravated public order offence, which is not linked to the protest at the station. Detectives have arrested a 41-year-old man from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, in connection with this incident. He is currently in police custody.
Join Edinburgh Live’s Whatsapp Community here[6] and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. “The second is a reported assault on a poppy stall seller whilst a demonstration was taking place at the station. Detectives have extensively monitored CCTV and spoken with key identified witnesses.
There is insufficient evidence to take the investigation further at this time.
“We have no reason to believe that the poppy sellers are at any risk or being intentionally targeted.”
References
- ^ Police (www.edinburghlive.co.uk)
- ^ Edinburgh Waverley (www.edinburghlive.co.uk)
- ^ Multiple children taken to Edinburgh hospital after horror crash on major road (www.edinburghlive.co.uk)
- ^ East Lothian police investigate as car torched and two vans damaged outside homes (www.edinburghlive.co.uk)
- ^ Edinburgh Live newsletters (www.edinburghlive.co.uk)
- ^ Edinburgh Live’s Whatsapp Community here (chat.whatsapp.com)