Poppy seller veteran says he was ‘punched’ during pro-Palestine rally at train station

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

Jim Henderson was selling poppies when the incident occurred (file photo) (Getty)

Police are investigating an alleged assault on a veteran selling poppies at a station during a pro-Palestinian rally.

Jim Henderson, 78, claims he was punched as he tried to leave Waverley Station in Edinburgh before being helped by railway staff.

The incident took place after hundreds of protesters filled the station on Saturday in a demo against the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza.

Mr Henderson, who 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.

Did you witness this incident? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk

He told the Scottish Daily Mail: “I was getting shoved backwards, in danger of falling, and one of them stood on my foot and split my toe.

“I thought I had got to get the money out of here. So I went down, and as I bent down someone punched me in the back. And then I got another punch in my side.”

He said he managed to get up and was helped by three women wearing red railway uniforms. “I’ve never known anything like it,” he added.

Protest at Edinburgh Waverley on Saturday - Mr Henderson can be seen stood behind a large banner. (@RaggedTP/X)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a statement condemning the alleged incident.

“This was a repulsive act,” his spokesperson said. “Mr Henderson, like all our veterans, has made huge sacrifices for our country. We are confident the police will treat this incident very seriously and use the full force of the law available to them.”

Mr Sunak’s comments come amid controversy over an upcoming march due to take place on Armistice Day in London. Police and Conservative MPs have urged the organisers to call off the march but organisers say the route will not go near the cenotaph.

The train station rally was one of a number of protests and demonstrations being held in the UK since Israel began strikes against Gaza and the West Bank, in retaliation for the killings of more than 1,400 people by Hamas last month.

Mr Henderson served in the Royal Corps of Signals, 32 Signal Regiment in Northern Ireland (Getty)

On Tuesday, British Transport Police Assistant confirmed it was investigating the Waverley Station incident but no arrests have been made.

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.”

Poppyscotland said that Mr Henderson was okay after the incident, and thanked people who came to his aid.

A 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.”