Counter-terror police have launched a probe after a 36-year-old white man is arrested over an alleged ‘anti-Muslim’ rampage in Edinburgh.
Five men have been injured in a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks which are believed to have taken place across the city.
Police Scotland has said none of the injuries sustained are believed to be life threatening. Two of those injured are 22, while the others are aged, 24, 27, and 39.
Two of the men are said to have been injured near the Broomhouse mosque, in west Edinburgh, and were later taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the BBC reported.
Footage has emerged on social media showing what appeared to be a topless man vandalising a petrol station carrying a weapon.
In a separate video, he appears to hit the door of a pizzeria several miles away in Leith Walk.
Other footage also emerge suggesting a heavy police presence as well as ambulances on the scene as bystanders watched on behind police tape.
The attacks first began near a mosque in the western part of the Scottish capital on Friday night, and two men were injured, the BBC reported.
A 36-year-old white man has since been taken into custody as Police Scotland and counter terrorism police work together in an ongoing investigation.
Counter-terror police have launched a probe after a 36-year-old white man is arrested over an alleged ‘anti-Muslim’ rampage in Edinburgh
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘A 36-year old man has been arrested following a series of incidents at a number of locations across the West of Edinburgh, and Leith, during the evening of Friday, 19 June.
‘Four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing, however, we believe there to be no further risk to the public at this time. Members of the public are thanked for their assistance.’
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, said he was ‘deeply concerned’ by the incident.
‘There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country,’ he added.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Council of Britain has said their community is concerned and ‘rightly worried.
A spokesperson said: ‘This incident comes not long after racist pogroms on the streets of Belfast that targeted minority families, and is a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities.
‘To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police.’
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
