A veteran aged 78, was assaulted selling poppies at a train station during a pro-Palestinian protest on Saturday.
Police are investigating the assault as hundreds of protesters filled the train station on Saturday.
Jim Henderson, 78 who served in the Royal Corps of Signals told the Scottish Daily Mail he was punched by a protester as he tried to leave Waverly Station in Edinbugh.
Henderson said that the assault took place during the rally as ran the Poppyscotland stall at Waverly Station and he was then helped by railway staff.
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Henderson told the paper, “I was getting shoved backwards, in danger of falling, and one of them stood on my foot and split my toe.
“I thought I had got to get the money out of here. So I went down, and as I bent down someone punched me in the back. And then I got another punch in my side.”
“I’ve never known anything like it,” he added.
British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said, “Detectives from British Transport Police are investigating a reported assault at Edinburgh Waverley Station on Saturday November 4.
“The incident occurred at approximately 3.30pm during a demonstration at the station.
“Detectives have been investigating the incident since it was reported to police on November 4.”
A Poppyscotland spokesperson said, “While we respect the rights of people to protest within the law, the safety and welfare of our volunteers is of paramount importance.
“One of our volunteers was infringed upon when trying to clear his stall to depart at the usual time of 3.30pm at Waverley Station on Saturday November 4.
“Our volunteer is safe and well, and we thank those that took the time to escort him out of the station.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said, “This was a repulsive act. Mr Henderson, like all our veterans, has made huge sacrifices for our country.
“We are confident the police will treat this incident very seriously and use the full force of the law available to them.”
