Five people were injured in an attack in Scotland's capital Edinburgh on Friday evening. The attacks are reported to have started near a mosque.
According to BBC News, the incident began just before 21:00 local time near a mosque in Edinburgh, with two people injured. Police stated the attacks are believed to be anti-Muslim.
The 36-year-old Scottish suspect attacked three more men in another part of the city later that same evening. The five injured, aged between 22 and 39, are not in life-threatening condition. Three were taken to hospital.
The suspect also attacked a vehicle at a petrol station. The vehicle's windows were found smashed, and an axe was discovered inside. The suspect knocked over shelves in the station's shop area.
CCTV footage shows the suspect attacking with a weapon outside a pizza shop. Videos shared on social media show other incidents in the city.
In a statement, Police Scotland said, "Officers responded to numerous reports of a fast-moving series of incidents across Edinburgh, a man was detained, and public safety was our priority."
The suspect was detained around 21:30 local time and remains in custody. Deputy Chief Constable Catriona Paton said, "This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those injured and most directly affected."
Paton added, "I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities: There is no place for racism or faith-based hatred in Scotland. We are at our best when we stand together."
According to BBC News, the suspect told police he was "protecting the country" when arrested. Paton said, "Extensive inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. We are supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and are working under the direction of the Crown Office."
The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the attack, stating the community was "rightly tense and anxious." The Council said, "This incident comes not long after racist pogroms targeting minority families on the streets of Belfast and is a direct result of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities."
