MORE than 200 people from all over Britain attended a prayer vigil yesterday in support of a Sikh boy who had his hair cut off in a racial attack.

Scores of Sikhs gathered with community leaders and representatives from other faiths in the Edinburgh park where the assault took place.

Sikhs travelled from places such as London, Birmingham and Glasgow to the city's Pilrig Park, where a 15-year-old Asian boy was set upon by a gang of four white youths last Tuesday evening.

He was subjected to a tirade of racial abuse before being kicked and punched to the ground.

When the victim's bandanna came loose, the youths cut his hair off. Hair is a religious symbol for Sikhs, and it is strictly against their faith to have it shorn.
The vigil was held to promote peace, respect and tolerance.

Police have set up a dedicated text service and e-mail address in a bid to catch the gang responsible for the attack. [Link]