Police investigate 'attack' on poppy seller at pro-Palestinian demo in Edinburgh

Police are investigating an alleged attack on a 78-year-old poppy seller who was caught up in a pro-Palestinian rally.

Army veteran Jim Henderson said he was punched and kicked as he tried to pack up his stall at Waverley Station in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Hundreds of people had occupied the station concourse to protest against the Israel-Gaza war.

British Transport Police (BTP) have confirmed officers are investigating.

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said: "We are working with ScotRail regarding the investigation."

Poppyscotland confirmed Mr Henderson had been volunteering for the group at the time.

Mr Henderson told the Daily Mail he was punched in the back as he bent down to collect his things.

"And then I got another punch in my side" he said.

Mr Henderson said he managed to get up and was helped from the station by three women in railway workers' uniforms.

"I've never known anything like it," he added.

The veteran told he paper he had served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles with the the Royal Corps of Signals, 32 Signal Regiment.

A spokesperson for Poppyscotland 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 15:30 at Waverley Station on Saturday November 4th.

"Our volunteer is safe and well, and we thank those that took the time to escort him out of the station."

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators also occupied Glasgow Central station during a day of protests on Saturday.

Marches have been taking place across the UK to urge an end to Israeli attacks in Gaza.

The retaliatory strikes came after Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,400 people in Israel on 7 October.

Since then the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than 10,000 people have been killed there.