Appeal to trace man after serious assault at Bathgate gala

Detectives are appealing for help to trace a man seen leaving a gala in Bathgate following a serious assault.

The incident happened in the Meadow Park area of the town at about 16:00 on Saturday.

Police said the injured man, 21, had been taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he is in a serious but stable condition.

The park was filled with hundreds of people enjoying the Bathgate Gala Day celebrations.

Police are keen to trace a man in connection with the incident who was seen leaving in the direction of Glasgow Road.

He was described as being white, aged 20-30, with stubble and short dark hair which was shaved at the sides. He was wearing a grey Nike top which had yellow shoulders and arms with a pink tick logo and matching shorts.

Det Insp Graham Garvie said: "The area was busy at the time as there was a gala day ongoing and I know people will have witnessed what happened.

"I'm appealing to them, anyone who has information about the incident or anyone who recognises the description of the man we're keen to trace, to contact us.

"I'd also like to reassure the public that this appears to have been an isolated incident. However, officers are carrying out regular patrols of the area and anyone with concerns should speak to police, call 101 or, in the case of an emergency, 999."