Five men were injured in a series of attacks across Edinburgh on the evening of Friday, June 19, sparking a police investigation into suspected anti-Muslim hate crimes. The incidents involved one man, reportedly bare-chested and carrying a large bladed weapon, who was seen roaming several areas of the city, including Sighthill, Telford Road, and Leith Walk.

The first known injuries occurred around 8:50 p.m. near Broomhouse Mosque in Sighthill, where two men were assaulted. Both were taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Additional attacks followed, with three other men injured—one of whom was reported to be an Asian Deliveroo driver—on Telford Road and Leith Walk. The victims ranged in age from 22 to 39, and while three required hospital treatment, none suffered life-threatening injuries.

Footage shared on social media showed the suspect at various locations, including a Shell petrol station where he caused damage to property, and outside the Origano Café & Pizzeria on Leith Walk, where staff reported him striking the door with the weapon. Another clip depicted the arrested man being detained by police while shouting, “I’m protecting the country.” The pizzeria staff described the situation as frightening and took precautions by lowering shutters to protect themselves.

Police response was substantial, involving uniformed, plainclothes, and armed officers who detained a 36-year-old white Scottish man around 9:30 p.m. He remains in custody. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is leading the investigation, working alongside local Police Scotland officers. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton condemned the attacks, emphasizing that there is “no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland.” She praised the police for their professionalism and urged communities to stand united.

The Scottish Association of Mosques noted that at least two of those attacked had recently attended prayers at their local mosque, characterizing the events as part of a troubling rise in hostility and violence directed at Muslim communities across Scotland. Muslim Engagement and Development Scotland also confirmed that several victims were Muslim.

First Minister John Swinney expressed his deep concern, underlining that violence and intolerance have no place in the country and reaffirming government support for affected communities.

The incidents also included reports of vandalism and threats directed at local businesses. Police are examining possible links between the attacks and a car crash near the Village Hotel at Crewe Toll on Friday evening, where debris was found scattered across a petrol station forecourt. An online portal, Operation Woodside, has been established for public reporting and gathering information related to the case.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the assaults as motivated by “anti-Muslim hatred” and underscored the government’s commitment to preventing violence on the streets and supporting those injured. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to clarify all circumstances surrounding the events.