A man has appeared in court on petition accused of five attempted murders following a series of alleged attacks on members of the public in Edinburgh on Friday.
Lewis Hawkes faced five allegations of attempted murder and three of assault and robbery when he appeared in the dock from custody during a private hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.
Hawkes, whose address was given as Edinburgh, is also charged with two counts of culpable and reckless conduct and a single charge of breach of the peace.
All 10 allegations are said to be aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection.
Hawkes, 36, made no plea and the case was committed for further examination.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear back at court within eight days.
The court appearance comes three days after five people were allegedly injured in a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks on Friday evening.
It is believed five people were left injured following the alleged incidents which took place in the north of the city.
The investigation into all the circumstances is being led by counter-terrorism officers.
Following the alleged incidents, Superintendent Neil Wilson, of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh local policing division, said on Monday: “We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time.”
Mr Wilson said police had spoken to more than 90 multi-faith organisations around Edinburgh and Scotland since Friday.
He added: “We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need.
“A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, and was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.
“While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland.”
The officer encouraged any witnesses to submit information to the major incident public portal set up by police online.
