Gang 'shout racist abuse' at takeaway staff while harassing customers

24 March 2024 , 19:41

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The youths were alleged to have racially abused the staff

Bosses at a takeaway have begged for help as a gang of youths is allegedly harassing and racially abusing staff.

Pepe's Piri Piri in Musselburgh, East Lothian, has shared images of about half a dozen teenage boys, caught on CCTV in the restaurant, as it stresses its staff "have a right to work without fear".

The CCTV was taken on Saturday; on just one occasion its employees have reportedly been abused. Pepe's claimed the youths "shouted hurtful racial abuse" in this instance, "harassed customers", damaged the toilets, and opened the doors when customers were inside.

The youths were pictured wearing a mixture of black and grey jogging bottoms, hoodies and jackets at the takeaway, which is in the centre of the tow. Posting on its Facebook page, the business said: "Does anyone know these individuals?

"They have been targeting staff at Pepes Musselburgh, shouting racist and hurtful abuse, harassing customers and staff, damaging the toilets, opening the toilets when customers are inside and just generally being a huge nuisance.

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"If you know them or are related to them please let them know their faces are now on social media and with the police. Please feel free to provide names below as this will help the Police. We will not tolerate this behaviour."

Pepe's Piri Piri in Musselburgh issued the CCTV images

Police investing the "reports of anti-social behaviour" are treating them as "a hate crime," reports Edinburgh Live. Officers say the investigation is at an early stage.

A spokesperson for Pepe’s Piri Piri Musselburgh said: “Our staff have the right to work without fear. Pepe’s will not tolerate these types of behaviours either towards our staff or customers."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers are carrying out an investigation following reports of anti-social behaviour at a premises on the High Street in Musselburgh. The incidents are being treated as a hate crime. Enquiries to trace those responsible are at an early stage."

Jacob Farr