Five Injured in Edinburgh Attacks; Counter-Terrorism Police Investigate
Counter-terrorism officers are investigating a series of violent incidents in Edinburgh that left five men injured, including Muslims. A 36-year-old white Scottish man has been arrested.
Police have launched a counter-terrorism investigation after a spate of violent attacks in Edinburgh on Friday evening left five people injured. The incidents began around 8:50 PM in the Sighthill area, where two men were assaulted. Further attacks were reported at retail locations in the west and north of the city, as well as on Telford Road and Leith Walk, where three other men were targeted.
A 36-year-old white Scottish man has been arrested, and police say there is no ongoing threat to the public. The victims—two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39—sustained various injuries; three required hospital treatment, but none are life-threatening.
Muslim groups have expressed alarm. The Muslim Engagement and Development organisation confirmed several victims were Muslim. The Scottish Association of Mosques reported that two worshippers were attacked in a park after leaving Broomhouse mosque. Omar Afzal, director of public affairs for the association, said the attacks did not happen in a vacuum but followed years of normalised anti-Muslim hatred.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton condemned racism and faith-based hate, urging unity. The investigation is supported by counter-terrorism policing and overseen by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Leith Walk was cordoned off on Friday evening. Social media footage appeared to show a shirtless man wielding a long weapon, roaming streets and striking a restaurant door. Another video showed the same man being restrained by police while shouting about "protecting the country." A public portal has been set up for witnesses to submit information.
