5 injured in suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Scotland’s capital

Five men were injured in a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks across Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, according to officials. A 36-year-old Scottish man has been arrested.

Police said they received multiple calls on Friday evening about violent attacks, threats, robbery and vandalism in several areas of the city. The first report came in at about 8:50 p.m. in Sighthill, an area in western Edinburgh, where two men were injured and taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

Over the next several minutes, police received reports of other incidents around retailers in the west and north of the city. Three more men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas.

The victims were five men between the ages of 22 and 39. Three of them required hospitalization, but none of the injuries are life-threatening, according to police.

The BBC reported that the attacks began near a mosque in western Edinburgh. Video posted on social media appeared to show a bare-chested man carrying a large weapon while vandalizing a gas station and striking the door of a pizzeria.

Another video showed an officer holding the topless man on the ground as he swore and shouted that he was “protecting the country,” according to the BBC.

Police said local officers equipped with a Taser confronted the suspect at about 9:30 p.m. The Taser was not used and the man was detained.

The suspect, described by police as a 36-year-old white Scottish man, remains in custody. Police said there is no further threat to the public.

Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating, with support from specialist officers and local police. The investigation is being carried out under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the suspect appeared to have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.

“Absolutely appalling,” Starmer said. “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.”

Warning: Video contains explicit language