ISLAMABAD: Five men were injured in a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks across the Scottish capital on Friday night, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation and condemnation from Britain's political leaders.
Police Scotland said a 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested after a "fast-moving sequence of events" involving threats, assault, robbery and vandalism at multiple locations across Edinburgh.
The attacks reportedly began near a mosque in the Broomhouse area of western Edinburgh, where two men were injured. Three other men were later attacked in separate incidents on Telford Road and Leith Walk.
Police said none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening, although three victims required hospital treatment.
Counter-terrorism officers have joined local detectives in the investigation as authorities work to establish the motive and circumstances surrounding the attacks.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the incidents as a "shocking attack" and sought to reassure affected communities.
"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," Paton said in a statement.
"Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public."
Muslim engagement group MEND Scotland said several of the victims were from the Muslim community, raising concerns that the attacks may have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
Video footage shared on social media appeared to show a bare-chested man carrying a large weapon at several locations across the city. One video showed damage to a taxi at a petrol station on Telford Road, while others appeared to show a man vandalising a fuel station, striking the doors of a pizzeria on Leith Walk and confronting members of the public.
Additional footage circulated online showed armed police officers detaining a topless man on the ground. Witness videos appeared to capture the suspect shouting that he was "protecting the country" as officers restrained him.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, saying the suspect appeared to have been motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred."
"My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response," Starmer wrote on X.
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply concerned" by the incidents.
"There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country," Swinney said in a statement.
Police said the suspect remains in custody while enquiries continue. Authorities have urged anyone with information, footage or witness accounts related to the incidents to contact investigators.
