Scottish police have arrested a person in connection with a series of attacks that occurred in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June 2026, which left five people injured.
In a statement on Saturday, police announced that a 36-year-old Scottish citizen was detained on Friday and that proceedings have been initiated against him in connection with the attacks.
Details of the Attacks
Police initially received a report on Friday evening of an incident in the Sighthill area of the city where two people were injured. Subsequently, incidents were reported in retail areas in the west and north of the city.
During this period, three more men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk area. The victims, aged between 22 and 39, sustained various injuries; three were admitted to hospital, but their injuries were reported as not life-threatening.
Reactions from Authorities
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attacks were motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. Starmer stated, "The suspect appears to have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this - they will face the full force of the law."
Deputy Chief Constable Catriona Paton of Police Scotland described the incident as "shocking." Paton said, "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."
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney also condemned the violence on the social media platform X. Swinney said, "I am deeply concerned by these events. There is no place for violence, racism, or intolerance in our country."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said, "I am horrified by the news of the attacks in Edinburgh. There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims."
Community Response
The Scottish Mosques Association stated that two of the victims were attacked after prayers. The Muslim Council of Britain said the community is "rightly concerned" and criticized "political rhetoric that demonizes an entire community."
