Man assaulted at Waverley after refusing use of mobile

A MAN has been left 'extremely shaken' after he was assaulted by five teenagers at Waverley station when he refused to let them borrow his mobile phone.

The man tripped and fell on Waverley steps after being pursued by a gang. Picture: Greg Macvean

The 22-year-old victim was walking from the direction of the St James Centre at around 9pm on Valentine’s Day when the group of youths approached him and asked for the device.

When he refused, they chased him down the Waverley Steps entrance to the station – where he tripped and fell over.

The man was punched and kicked by the youths – who were all wearing tracksuits and baseball caps – before he could make his way into the station.

He suffered facial injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment.

British Transport Police are now reviewing CCTV footage which shows a number of people in the area where the attack took place.

They hope this will identify who is responsible.

Paul Farquhar, the BTP officer in charge of the inquiry, said: “This was an unprovoked attack which left the victim extremely shaken and anyone with information which can help our inquiries is urged to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Cameron Rose, a local councillor and a former policeman, said he hoped the five youths who carried out this attack are “taken off the street”.

He said: “I hope the police get them. At that time of night the 22-year-old victim should have felt safe walking in that area.

“Crime in the city has fallen recently and I think that is what makes this incident all the more shocking. It must have been a frightening experience for the man. I hope the police are successful with their inquiries and take these people off the street.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or by texting 61016 – quoting B1 of 19/02/2016.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.