Counter-terrorism police investigate after five injured in Edinburgh attacks

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating a string of suspected anti-Muslim incidents in Edinburgh which left five people injured, police have said. Police Scotland said they were alerted by the public on Friday to violent attacks, including threats, robbery and vandalism across Scotland’s capital. A 36-year-old white Scottish man has since been arrested and police assured the public that there was no further threat. Videos surfacing online show a man, with his chest exposed, roaming the streets of Edinburgh brandishing a weapon. He appears to vandalise a petrol station before banging the door of a pizza restaurant several miles down the road. Officers were called to a report of an incident in the Sighthill area of the city, where two men were injured, at around 8.50pm on Friday, before later receiving reports about incidents around retailers across the west and north of the city. According to police, five men sustained a range of injures, and three required hospital treatment. None of the injuries were deemed life threatening. The organisation Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) said that several of those injured are Muslim. Keir Starmer has condemned the attacks, saying they appear to be motivated by “anti-Muslim hatred”. Posting on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Absolutely appalling. 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.” Absolutely appalling.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.My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency…— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 20, 2026 Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said it was a “shocking” incident and that her thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected. She said: “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. “Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority. “Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. “I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public. First Minister John Swinny has said he was “deeply concerned” by the incidents. “There is no place for violence, racism, or intolerance in our country”, he added. The Muslim Council of Britain said the Muslim community is “rightly nervous and 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.