Watch: Sickening moment drunken thug headbutts Edinburgh shopkeeper over £1.29 samosa

Police investigating after worker left with a cut nose and bruised face
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A SCARED shopkeeper has told of the terrifying moment a drunken thug headbutted him after he was challenged for eating a samosa without paying the full price.

The lout started tucking into the £1.29 snack at J & S 24-hour newsagents after handing over just 50p - before falling onto a pile of pizzas.

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He then got up and attacked the store assistant, cutting his nose and bruising his face, before fleeing into the street.

The shop's CCTV captures the attackThe shop's CCTV captures the attack
The shop's CCTV captures the attack

“It was really horrible and I was in a lot of pain,” said the victim, a 53-year-old father-of-two, from Wester Hailes. “There was blood everywhere. I haven’t been back to work since because I’m traumatised.”

Police are now investigating the assault shortly before 1am on Sunday, December 1.

“We try our best to protect our staff,” said the store’s owner, who asked not to be named. “We’re open 24 hours and drunks are just drunks but this was something else.

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“He came in and picked up a samosa and was just having a joke with it at first. He started eating it and handed over 50p which is not the full price.

Police are appealing for witnessesPolice are appealing for witnesses
Police are appealing for witnesses

“Then he fell on the pizzas and when he got up he shouted ‘Hibs CCS’ which I think is the Hibs casuals, and headbutted the staff member who had to go to hospital.

“He was in shock,” added the owner. “It’s not just physically, it’s his mental well-being as well. It’s not fair that a 53-year-old has to put up with an assault.”

The owner said the man left with his friend and stood outside hurling sickening racist abuse at the shop assistant until they thought police were on their way and fled.

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Sharing the CCTV with the Evening News, he added: “Hopefully someone will know who the guy is and tell the police.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed officers were called and appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

She added: “Police in Edinburgh are investigating an assault that took place within a premises on North Bridge at around 12.50am on Sunday, 1 December.

“A 53-year-old man suffered a facial injury but did not require hospital treatment.

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“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 0245 of 1 December.

“Alternatively an anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”