Army veteran, 78, assaulted at Edinburgh Waverley during anti-war demo
Jim Henderson was selling poppies at the train station
Last updated 7th Nov 2023
Police are investigating an alleged assault on a veteran selling poppies Edinburgh during a pro-Palestinian rally.
Jim Henderson, 78, told a newspaper he was punched as he tried to leave Waverley Station before being helped by railway staff.
It came as hundreds of protesters filled the station on Saturday in a demo against the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza.
Mr Henderson, who he served in the Royal Corps of Signals, 32 Signal Regiment in Northern Ireland, claimed the assault happened during the rally while he ran a Poppyscotland stall at the station.
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."