EDINBURGH: Scottish police have launched a counter-terrorism investigation after a series of violent incidents in Edinburgh left five men injured in what authorities are treating as suspected anti-Muslim attacks.
According to Police Scotland, a 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested on Friday night following multiple incidents reported across the city. Officials confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to public safety, while investigations remain underway.
Police said emergency services received several calls reporting violent attacks, threats, robbery and vandalism in different parts of Edinburgh. Five men, aged 22, 22, 24, 27 and 39, sustained injuries during the incidents.
Three of the victims required hospital treatment, although authorities said none of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
In a statement, Police Scotland confirmed that specialist counter-terrorism officers were leading the investigation with support from local policing teams and other specialist units.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a shirtless man carrying a large weapon through the streets of Edinburgh. The footage has not been independently verified, but reports suggest the individual shown was the suspect later taken into custody.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed concern over the attacks, stating that violence, racism and intolerance have no place in Scotland.
Several Muslim organizations, including Scottish Association of Mosques and Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND), said a number of the victims were Muslims.
MEND stated that footage circulating online appeared to show the suspect making anti-Muslim remarks and urged authorities to investigate the incident as a potential act of Islamophobic and far-right terrorism.
According to local media reports, the attacks may have begun near a mosque in the Sighthill area of western Edinburgh, where two victims were initially assaulted before being transported to hospital.
Police said three additional men were later attacked at separate locations before officers located and arrested the suspect.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the incidents as “shocking” and reiterated that racism and faith-based hatred would not be tolerated.
The attacks come amid heightened tensions across parts of the United Kingdom over immigration and diversity issues, following several recent incidents that have sparked public debate and concerns about rising extremist rhetoric.
Authorities said the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.
