On a Friday evening in June, a bare-chested man wielding a large weapon walked the streets of Edinburgh, attacking people and damaging property in a series of incidents that police say were motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. Five men were injured, and a 36-year-old white Scottish man has since been charged.
The attacks began at around 8:50pm on 19 June 2026 in the Sighthill area of Edinburgh, close to the Broomhouse mosque. Two men were injured there. The suspect then moved to several other locations across the west and north of the city, including a Shell petrol station on Telford Road, a BP petrol station on Ferry Road, and the Origano pizzeria on Leith Walk. Footage posted on social media shows the man, bare-chested and carrying a hand axe or bladed weapon, vandalising vehicles and striking the door of the pizzeria before being restrained by police. According to the Scottish Association of Mosques, two of the victims had been attacked after attending prayers at their local mosque. In total, five men were injured: two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39. Three required hospital treatment, but none of the injuries were life-threatening. The man was heard shouting “I am protecting the country” as officers pinned him to the ground.
“Five men were injured in suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh in June 2026; a man has been charged.”
Anti-Muslim hate crimes have been a persistent concern in the UK, with community groups and politicians repeatedly condemning such attacks. In this case, Police Scotland said counter-terrorism officers were supporting the investigation, and Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton stated there was “no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together”. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, described the attacks as “absolutely appalling” and said the suspect appeared to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred, adding that he would “face the full force of the law”. First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply concerned” and stressed that there is “no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country”. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “horrified” by the violence.
For UK readers, this incident is a stark reminder of the reality of faith-based hate and the importance of community safety. It shows how quickly a series of attacks can unfold in a city centre, targeting people specifically because of their religion. The response from political leaders, police, and community organisations like MEND Scotland—which said several of the victims were Muslim—underlines the commitment to tackling such hatred. But it also raises questions about how to prevent similar incidents and support affected communities.
Q: What happened in the Edinburgh attacks? On 19 June 2026, a man attacked five men in a series of incidents across Edinburgh, starting near a mosque and continuing at petrol stations and a pizzeria. A 36-year-old white Scottish man has been charged. The victims included Muslims, and the attacks are being treated as anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Q: Was the attack terrorism-related? Counter-terrorism police were involved in the investigation, but the suspect has been charged with criminal offences including threats, robbery, and vandalism. Police have said there is no further threat to the public.
Q: What has been the response from politicians? Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the suspect appeared motivated by anti-Muslim hatred and would face the full force of the law. First Minister John Swinney expressed deep concern and condemned violence, racism, and intolerance. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was horrified by the attacks.
What happens next? The 36-year-old man has been charged and is expected to appear in court in due course. Police are continuing their investigation with support from counter-terrorism officers. Community groups, including MEND Scotland, have urged vigilance and support for victims. The incident has also prompted renewed calls for stronger measures against hate crime in Scotland and across the UK.