Counter-terrorism police are investigating after a string of suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh left five men injured.
Police Scotland said a 36-year-old white Scottish man has been arrested and stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officers were first called to Sighthill at about 8.50pm on Friday after reports of two men being hurt. Soon after, further incidents were reported at different locations across the west and north of the city, including near shops.
Police later said three more men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas during the same period. In total, five men aged between 22 and 39 were injured. Three needed hospital treatment, but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Groups including Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) said some of those targeted were Muslim, while the Scottish Association of Mosques said two victims were allegedly attacked after leaving prayers at a local mosque.
The suspect was arrested around 9.30pm on Friday.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton called the incident “shocking” and said investigations are ongoing, with counter-terror police assisting and the Crown Office involved. She said public safety came first as officers dealt with what she described as a fast-moving series of events.
She also urged anyone with information or footage to come forward through a major incident portal.
Leith Walk was closed on Friday evening during the response, with social media clips appearing to show a man carrying a knife and another showing a man being restrained by police while shouting that he was “protecting the country”.
First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply concerned” and condemned violence and racism, saying there is no place for intolerance in Scotland.
The Scottish Association of Mosques said the attacks reflect a growing pattern of hostility towards Muslim communities and places of worship.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the violence “appalling”, saying it appeared driven by anti-Muslim hatred and promising the suspect would face the full force of the law. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also said she was horrified by what happened and echoed concerns about the suspected motivation.
