A GANG of white teenagers hacked off a Sikh schoolboy’s hair in a “vicious and unprovoked racist attack”, police said yesterday.

The boy, aged 15, was on his way to visit relatives in Edinburgh when the gang started shouting racial abuse at him as he walked near Pilrig Park at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

He was punched and kicked to the ground, causing his turban to come loose, at which point a youth pulled out a knife and cut off his hair.

Sikh males never cut their hair or beards as hair is considered sacred and has a deep religious significance.

The attack happened close to the Sikh Temple in Leith. Rab Singh, 53, the temple’s vice-president, said it was the first time that he had heard of such an attack. “The community is appalled by what happened to this innocent boy. We are hoping it does not escalate in any way,” he said. “We would hope this will be a one-off incident and we can return to living our calm and peaceful lives.”

He said that the victim’s family, who do not want to be identified, were upset, adding: “When the youths took the knife out he just closed his eyes and hoped that his attackers would not do anything.”

Runbeer Singh, who was visiting the temple, said that cutting the boy’s hair was like taking his life. “This must have been absolutely devastating for the boy,” she said. “A Sikh’s hair is sacred to them. For someone to cut it off is as if they are killing him.”

A Sikh woman who works with the local community said: “Muslims and Hindus cut their hair, which is another reason it is such an important part of a Sikh person’s identity.”

The four-strong gang, all aged about 16, ran off across the park. Lothian and Borders Police said that although the boy did not need hospital treatment he was traumatised and suffered bruising and swelling to his face, shoulder and ribs.

Chief Inspector Keith Chamberlain said: “The manner of this crime, where and how it has happened and the legacy that will be left from it, is exceptional. I want to reassure all members of the community, and the Sikh community in particular, that I’m confident we’ll have a positive outcome.”

Officers have issued descriptions of the attackers and are appealing for witnesses.

Two of them were wearing dark adidas tracksuit bottoms and dark beanie-style hats. Another was wearing a black Helly Hansen jacket and a dark beanie hat. He had a gold hoop in his right ear.

The final suspect was also wearing dark clothing.

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