Counter-terrorism officers are investigating a series of violent incidents in Edinburgh that left five men injured, with several of the victims reported to be Muslim. Police Scotland confirmed that a 36-year-old white Scottish man has been arrested and said there is no further threat to the public.
Timeline of incidents
Officers were called to an incident in the Sighthill area at approximately 8:50 pm on Friday, where two men were injured. The Scottish Association of Mosques stated that two worshippers were attacked in a park after leaving Broomhouse mosque. Police then received reports of further incidents at retailers across the west and north of Edinburgh. During this period, three other men were allegedly attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas.
Victims and injuries
The five injured men include two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39. They sustained a range of injuries, and three required hospital treatment. None of the injuries are life-threatening. The organisation Muslim Engagement and Development confirmed that several of those injured were Muslim.
Community reaction
Omar Afzal, director of public affairs for the Scottish Association of Mosques, told the Scotsman: “There is a profound sense of shock, alarm and anger within Muslim communities across Scotland today. These latest attacks are deeply disturbing. However, they do not exist in a vacuum. For years, Muslim communities have warned about the consequences of anti-Muslim hatred becoming normalised in public discourse. When prejudice is left unchallenged, it creates an environment in which some individuals feel emboldened to act on that hatred.”
Police response
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together. Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority. Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by counter-terrorism policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.”
Social media footage
Police closed off Leith Walk on Friday evening as the incidents unfolded. Posts on social media appeared to show a shirtless man carrying a long weapon roaming a street and battering a restaurant door. Another video appeared to show the same man on the ground shouting about “protecting the country” while being held by a police officer.
Public appeal
A major incident public portal has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
