POLICE have dropped an investigation into an alleged assault on a 78-year-old poppy seller during a pro-Palestine demonstration due to “insufficient evidence”.
Army veteran Jim Henderson had told the Scottish Daily Mail he was punched and kicked as he tried to pack up his stall at Waverley Station in Edinburgh on Saturday.
British Transport Police then confirmed its officers had reviewed CCTV footage and spoken to key witnesses.
Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said the review of CCTV footage had been “extensive” and that the investigation could not be taken any further.
READ MORE: Police: Far-right groups are main risk of disorder at pro-Palestine march
“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 poppy sellers are at any risk of being intentionally targeted.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson had previously said the reported incident was a “repulsive act” before the investigation was dropped.
Humza Yousaf’s official spokesperson meanwhile condemned the alleged incident but added that it “would properly be a matter for the police”.
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