A 36-year-old Scottish man has been charged with five counts of attempted murder linked to terrorism after five people were injured in a series of suspected anti-Muslim knife attacks across Edinburgh.
Lewis Hawkes, 36, was also charged with one count of assault and robbery, two counts of breach of the peace, and two counts of culpable and reckless conduct. All charges were “aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection”.
Hawkes appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. He made no plea and was remanded in custody.
The attacks began near Broomhouse Mosque in the west of the city at around 8.30pm. Two 22-year-old men, understood to have recently left Asr prayer, were stabbed multiple times at Sighthill Park and taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. A taxi was then vandalised at a petrol station on Telford Road around 45 minutes later, before a further three people were attacked on Leith Walk. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
According to Muslim community groups, several of those attacked had just left the mosque when they were targeted. 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”.
The force confirmed that five men aged between 22 and 39 were injured during the incidents.
Counter-terrorism officers led the investigation from the outset. Police Scotland said it had since spoken to more than 90 multi-faith organisations across Edinburgh in the wake of the attacks.
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Reactions
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the incidents as “shocking” and sought to reassure Scotland’s Muslim communities, saying there is “no place for racism or faith-based hate” in Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney said the attacks should be a “wake-up call” for Scotland over intolerance, adding that he was “terrified” the incidents were the product of intolerance being “legitimised”.
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.”
He added: “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.
Superintendent Neil Wilson, of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division, said he understood that concern among some communities had been “heightened” by the attacks.
“It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation,” he said.
“I would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated.”
