A 36-year-old white Scottish man has been charged after a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks across Edinburgh on Friday night left five men injured, two of whom were reportedly attacked after leaving prayers at a local mosque.
The violence began near Broomhouse mosque in the west of the city, where two men were injured just before 9pm. Officers were called to the Sighthill area at around 8.50pm, but the attacker then moved through the city, targeting retailers and a pizzeria. Footage posted on social media shows a bare-chested man wielding a large weapon, battering the door of the Origano pizzeria on Leith Walk while staff closed electronic shutters and members of the public fled.
“Man charged after five injured in Edinburgh attacks near mosque; PM cites anti-Muslim hatred.”
Three more men were attacked on Telford Road and Leith Walk. In total, two 22-year-olds, a 24-year-old, a 27-year-old and a 39-year-old sustained injuries; three required hospital treatment but none are believed to be life-threatening. The Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) organisation said several of the victims are Muslim.
Counter-terrorism police are investigating, and Police Scotland said the man had been charged “in connection with a number of incidents” and will appear in court. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said there was “no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland” and that officers responded to a “fast-moving sequence of events”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks on X, writing: “Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets. The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.” First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply concerned” and that “there is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.”
One video shows the topless man being pinned to the ground by an officer, shouting: “I am protecting the country.” Police have said there is no further threat to the public.