Five individuals sustained injuries in Edinburgh when a man reportedly brandishing a knife went on a violent spree in various areas of the city. The incidents, including assaults, threats, robbery, and property damage, occurred in the western part of Edinburgh and Leith on June 19.
Following the incidents, two men who were attacked near Broomhill Mosque were discovered with injuries in the Sighthill area at 8:50 pm. Additionally, 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 vicinity of Leith Walk.
The injured individuals, aged between 22 and 29, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with three of them requiring hospital treatment. Notably, some of the victims are part of the Muslim community, as confirmed by MEND Scotland.
Law enforcement authorities are investigating the events, with Counter-Terrorism Policing Scotland leading the inquiry after a 36-year-old Scottish man was taken into custody. Video footage on social media shows the arrest of a man on Leith Walk, who was subdued with a Taser.
In response to the incidents, the British Muslim Trust expressed shock over the reported anti-Muslim nature of the attacks. They highlighted the real-world consequences of such hateful rhetoric and emphasized the need for community support and protection.
Separately, a video captured a shirtless individual carrying a large blade along Leith Walk, and police were also summoned to address cases of vandalism in multiple retail establishments across the city. An eyewitness at Origano Cafe & Pizzeria described the frightening situation when a man smashed their windows, leading to the closure of the venue for safety reasons.
Authorities closed Leith Walk temporarily, implementing diversions to manage the aftermath of the events. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton condemned the attacks, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance towards racism and hate-based crimes in Scotland.
Political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, expressed condemnation and support for the victims and the swift police response. They reiterated the need to combat anti-Muslim sentiments and violence, emphasizing unity and swift action against hate crimes.
The Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray assured the public of no ongoing threat and encouraged anyone with relevant information to cooperate with the authorities. He reiterated the government’s stance against racism and hate crimes, praising the emergency services for their handling of the situation.