An Edinburgh man was rushed to hospital by police after being attacked by a large group of teen yobs in a West End McDonald's.
The incident took place on Wednesday June 8 in the early evening when a group of feral teens lobbed a cup of juice at him before coming over to instigate a fight.
Rafal Panek was enjoying a bite to eat in the fast food chain on Princes Street when dozens of rowdy teenagers were wreaking havoc and throwing food around.
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The 48-year-old said the store was 'filthy' and the only reason he visited this branch rather than his regular branch at St Andrews Square was due to the wet weather.
The teens were warned by staff on the tannoy system that CCTV was recording and police had been informed of their behaviour, only for them to burst out laughing.
A staff member then came up the stairs to confront the group before heading downstairs to call the police but reportedly changed his mind as he thought the situation had cooled down.
Within minutes most other customers left but after more food was hurled at him, Rafal lost his patience and confronted the anti-social teens.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live the warehouse worker explained that it wasn't the regular branch he would go to and that the commotion kicked off shortly after entering the restaurant.
He said: "It was last Wednesday just before 7pm, I was sitting in this McDonald's upstairs when a group of youths came in, just making mess and noise.
"At some point there was like 20 maybe 30 of them guys and girls, then the staff played a warning over the tannoy that the CCTV was recording and the police was informed.
"So they just burst into laughter and it actually got worse but some younger kids left.
"Then one of the staff, probably the manager, came up and talked with them but then he eventually retreated.
"The group sitting at the big table started throwing food and cups and whatever there was on the table. I think that people sitting there just fled leaving the food and the mob just seized it."
After trying to enjoy his meal in the West End store but being constantly disturbed, Rafal decided enough was enough and chose to confront the group.
He explained: "Then as some fluffy stuff landed on my table I got up and fought back with what I had, a half empty cup of Fanta.
"The big guy produced a water pistol and emptied it and when I stood up and walked towards him he threw it on me and missed. So that's when all hell broke out.
"He jumped on me so when I lost my glasses I was trying to retreat but the others were punching me as well so it was just chaos I didn't know what to do."
After the brawl broke out the large gang quickly left the store as staff helped Rafal with his injuries.
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He said: "They were gone quickly and left shouting that I was going to get stabbed so I called on 999 and requested police and ambulance.
"The staff brought me napkins and then the manager came with some sterile wipe and asked what happened.
"While I was still sitting there I could hear exchange between police and McDonald's through the tannoys and McDonalds was saying there was no reason for the police to attend, so I rang them again and after some time they came in.
"They took a statement from someone who saw all of that and took me to Royal Infirmary."
Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, a spokesperson told Edinburgh Live: “Around 6.45pm on Wednesday, 8 June, 2022, police were called to a premises on Princes Street, Edinburgh, following a report of an assault.
"A 48-year-old man was taken to hospital for assessment and enquiries are at an early stage.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “The safety and security of our people and customers is our absolute priority, and we have a zero-tolerance approach to violence in the restaurant. The Police were called immediately to the incident and we are assisting with any enquiries.”
If you have witnessed anti-social behaviour in the city centre and would like to let us know - get in touch at news@edinburghlive.co.uk
