Counterterrorism detectives in Scotland are investigating a series of attacks in Edinburgh that left five people injured and appeared to target Muslims, police said on Saturday.
Arrest and Injuries
Police Scotland said a 36-year-old man was arrested late on Friday after officers received multiple reports of assaults in the west and north of the Scottish capital. Five men, aged 22, 22, 24, 27 and 39, suffered a range of injuries. Three required hospital treatment, although none of the injuries is considered life-threatening.
Community Reactions
Community groups said several of those targeted were Muslim. The Muslim Engagement and Development charity said a number of the injured men were Muslims, while the Scottish Association of Mosques said two victims were attacked after attending prayers at their local mosque.
Social Media Evidence
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a shirtless man carrying a long weapon through a street and striking the door of a restaurant. Another clip appeared to show the same individual being restrained by a police officer while shouting about “protecting the country”.
Official Statements
The Muslim Council of Britain said the Muslim community is “rightly nervous and worried.” It added that the violence was “a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonizes entire communities.” Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton of Police Scotland described the incidents as “shocking” and confirmed that local officers “are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing.”
“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,” she said.
