Scotland’s Counter-Terror Police Investigate Suspected Anti-Muslim Attacks in Edinburgh, Five Men Injured

Police in Scotland announced on Saturday their investigation into a series of “violent attacks” in Edinburgh earlier in the week, which left five men injured in suspected anti-Muslim incidents.

A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested following these events. Police stated there is no further threat to the public.

Footage online showed an individual – believed to be the suspect – walking through streets with a large weapon. Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, along with other specialist officers and local police, were involved in the investigation.

The victims, aged between 22 and 39, sustained various injuries; three required hospital treatment but none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney expressed his “deep concern” over the incidents. He stated that there is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in Scotland.

Both the Scottish Association of Mosques and anti-Islamophobia group MEND noted several victims were Muslim. MEND also pointed out that footage online showed the suspect shouting about protecting the country from Muslims.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions across the UK over immigration and diversity, following claims far-right agitators are fueling racist sentiment after a series of high-profile incidents.

Police Scotland reported two men were initially injured in Sighthill, taken to hospital by ambulance. The BBC understands these attacks began near a mosque. Three other men were subsequently attacked elsewhere before officers arrested the suspect.