Edinburgh: Man charged over series of 'anti-Muslim' attacks

A man has been charged in connection with a series of attacks in Edinburgh.

Five men - two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39 - suffered a range of injuries. Three required hospital treatment. None of the injuries are said to be life-threatening.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had said the incidents appeared to have been motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred".

He added: "My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response."

Police Scotland confirmed a 36-year-old has been charged - and he will appear in court in due course.

On Friday, police received multiple calls about attacks that included threats, robbery and vandalism across the city.

Video posted on social media appeared to show a man with a knife, while another showed a topless man on the ground shouting "I'm protecting the country" as he was held by a police officer.

The Muslim Engagement and Development organisation said that several of those injured were Muslim.

The Scottish Association of Mosques (SAM) said two of those hurt were "reportedly attacked after attending prayers at their local mosque".

Sir Keir's comments echoed an earlier statement by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who said she was "horrified" by news of the attacks.

She added: "The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country."

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Attacks 'latest in an alarming pattern'

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said it was a "shocking" incident and that her thoughts were with those affected.

She 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."

SAM said in a statement: "The attacks in Edinburgh are... the latest in an alarming pattern of hostility and violence directed towards Muslims, mosques and Islamic institutions across Scotland.

"In recent months, communities have witnessed mosques being targeted, racist incidents directed at Muslim communities, and a broader rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric both online and offline."

A police spokesperson said: "The first report originated from around 8.50pm in the Sighthill area, where two men were injured. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.

"Over the following period, reports were received about incidents around retailers across the west and north of the city.

"During this period, three other men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk area, suffering differing injuries.

"Around 9.30pm, local police officers equipped with [a] Taser confronted a suspect and, although [the] Taser was not discharged, the man was detained."

In a statement, First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply concerned" by the attacks.

He added: "There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country. I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the government."

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