Starmer Condemns Suspected Anti-Muslim Attacks in Edinburgh

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh that left five men injured, saying the suspect appeared to be motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred" and would face the full force of the law. "Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets. The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law. My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response," Starmer wrote on X. A 36-year-old man has since been charged in connection with multiple incidents that took place across the Scottish capital on Friday.

What happened?

Police Scotland said officers were first called to an incident in the Sighthill area of Edinburgh at around 8:50pm on Friday, where two men were injured near a mosque. The attacks then spread across several locations in the west and north of the city, prompting a major police response. Authorities described the events as a fast-moving sequence of incidents. Five men – two aged 22 and others aged 24, 27 and 39 – suffered a range of injuries. Three required hospital treatment, although police said none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Trail of violence across the city

Footage shared on social media appeared to show a bare-chested man carrying a large weapon and causing damage at multiple locations. At a petrol station on Telford Road, a taxi was left with smashed windows, while CCTV from another fuel station on Ferry Road showed a man entering the kiosk and knocking shelves to the ground. In Leith Walk, staff at a pizzeria lowered security shutters as the suspect repeatedly struck the entrance with a weapon. Other videos appeared to show members of the public fleeing as the man moved through the area. The suspect was eventually detained by armed officers. Police equipped with Tasers confronted and arrested him, although the devices were not discharged.

Counter-terrorism officers join investigation

Police Scotland confirmed that counter-terrorism officers are assisting with the investigation and that the force is working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. On Saturday evening, police announced that a 36-year-old man had been charged in connection with the incidents. "A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course," the force said.

Leaders condemn suspected hate attack

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply concerned" by the violence. "There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country," he wrote on X. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton described the events as a "shocking attack" and stressed that there was "no place for racism or faith-based hate" in Scotland.

Muslim groups raise concern

Community organisations said several of the victims were from the Muslim community. The Scottish Association of Mosques stated that Muslims and members of ethnic minority communities had been targeted, while the Muslim Council of Britain said the community was "rightly nervous and worried" following the incidents. Police have urged anyone with information about the attacks to come forward as inquiries continue.