​Show of support as Syrian boy fights for his life in hospital

Donations for a Syrian refugee stabbed in Edinburgh last week have reached £5,500 in less than 24 hours.

A fundraising appeal for 25 year old Shabaz Ali was launched after it was revealed the Syrian student was fighting for his life in hospital.

He had been stabbed repeatedly in his chest and stomach after intervening to protect his cousin at a hostel in the city’s Upper Gilmore Place.

His family are said to be Syrian refugees from Kobane, Northern Syria, who fled death to live in Scotland five years ago.

Police Scotland said a 17-year-old man has been charged over the incident.

Anti-racism campaigners condemned the alleged attack and set up an online appeal for donations "to help Shahbaz recover and rebuild his life".

Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said: “The fundraising appeal has raised almost £4000 in less than 24 hours. We hope Shabaz and all refugees feel reassured that in Scotland we show Zero Tolerance to Racism.

“Shabaz repeatedly expressed concerns to the council about safety at the hostel but the family say that Edinburgh City Council were not listening.

“He has today instructed us to take up his case regarding what this assault and to urge Edinburgh City Council to provide safe housing in the city. He will need to leave hospital at some point and clearly cannot return to the hostel.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police in Edinburgh are investigating after a 25-year-old man was seriously injured at a flat in Upper Gilmore Place shortly after 12am on 3 May .

"A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with this incident and appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 4 May.”