Five individuals sustained injuries in Edinburgh when a man reportedly armed with a knife went on a violent spree through the city’s streets. The incidents of assault, threats, theft, and damage occurred in the west of the Scottish capital and Leith on June 19.
Two men who were reportedly attacked near Broomhill Mosque were discovered injured in the Sighthill area of the city at 8:50 pm, as per reports from Daily Record. Subsequently, a third man, believed to be an Asian Deliveroo driver, was found injured on Telford Road, while the fourth and fifth male victims were assaulted in the Leith Walk vicinity.
The injured individuals, two aged 22 and the others aged 24, 27, and 29, sustained various non-life-threatening injuries, with three of them requiring hospital care. According to MEND Scotland, a Muslim engagement group, several of the injured are part of the Muslim community.
Counter-Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating the incidents following the arrest of a 36-year-old Scottish man who remains in custody. Social media footage captured a man being arrested on Leith Walk and being Tasered before being taken into custody.
In another video, a shirtless man was seen carrying a large blade while walking along Leith Walk. Reports of vandalism at retailers across the western and northern parts of the city also prompted police intervention.
One video showed a shirtless man breaking the windows of Origano Cafe & Pizzeria on Leith Walk, forcing the owners to close the shutters to halt the attack. A staff member described the incident as frightening and horrible.
Leith Walk was temporarily closed, and diversions were implemented following the incident. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton condemned the attack and emphasized the unacceptability of racism or faith-based hate in Scotland.
Political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, expressed horror at the attacks and condemned the apparent anti-Muslim motivation behind the violence. The Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray assured the public that there is no ongoing threat and urged anyone with information to contact the authorities.