A 36 year old Scottish man has been charged after five people were injured in a series of suspected anti-Muslim knife attacks across Edinburgh, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation and condemnation from political leaders and Muslim organisations.
Police Scotland said a 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested following multiple violent incidents on Friday evening that left five men injured.
Officers received reports of assaults, threats, robbery and vandalism at several locations across the city. Three of the victims required hospital treatment, although none of the injuries were life-threatening.
According to Muslim community groups, some of the victims had just left a mosque when they were attacked. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show a shirtless man carrying a bladed weapon while shouting nationalist slogans and claiming he was “protecting the country from these f*cking Muslim b*stards”.
Counter-terrorism officers have joined the investigation and police say enquiries remain ongoing. Authorities have stressed that there is no wider threat to the public.
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In a statement released on Saturday, Police Scotland said officers had received multiple emergency calls reporting “violent attacks including threats, robbery and vandalism” across Edinburgh. The force confirmed that five men aged between 22 and 39 were injured during the incidents.
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Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the incidents as “shocking” and confirmed that counter-terrorism officers had joined the investigation.
She sought to reassure Scotland’s Muslim communities, saying there is “no place for racism or faith-based hate” in Scotland and stressing that the country is strongest when communities stand together.
Paton also thanked members of the public who assisted police and said additional patrols would be carried out to provide reassurance.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks on X, saying: “Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets. The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred”.
Starmer goes on to say “I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law. My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.”
Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) said the attacks “did not come from nowhere” and argued that the incident must be understood within a wider climate of anti-Muslim hostility.
Referring to footage of the suspect allegedly shouting nationalist slogans, the organisation said inflammatory rhetoric from politicians and sections of the media had contributed to an atmosphere in which Muslims increasingly feel unsafe.
MEND said several of those attacked were Muslims and offered prayers for the victims, stating: “Our prayers are with them – may Allah grant them healing and protection.”
The organisation called for a robust response from authorities and warned against treating the violence as an isolated incident detached from rising levels of anti-Muslim hatred.
The attack comes amid growing concern among Muslim organisations about anti-Muslim hatred in Britain.
The Muslim Council of Britain said communities were “rightly nervous and worried” following the Edinburgh violence and argued that such attacks are fuelled by rhetoric that demonises Muslims and migrants.
The accused is expected to appear before court as investigations continue.
