A 36-year-old man was arrested and has now been charged following events in three areas of Edinburgh in which five men were injured.
Police Scotland said on Saturday evening: “A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June, 2026. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course.”
Several of those injured are understood to be Muslims. Videos published on social media show what police described as a fast-moving sequence of events in three areas – Leith, Sighthill and on Telford Road, apparently involving the same man at each location, bare-chested and allegedly wielding a knife. There was a large police presence in each area of Edinburgh.
One incident is understood to have taken place near Broomhouse Mosque.
Counter Terrorism officers were called in on Saturday to conduct an investigation into the series of incidents which took place from 8.50pm onwards on Friday.
Officers received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five people injured.
Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three required hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.
A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested.
The Scottish Association of Mosques published a statement in which they called for calm but said the attacks were a cause for concern.
The First Minister, John Swinney, said: “We are committed to tackling racism in all its forms, following the recent scenes of disorder in Scotland.”
The Council Leader, Jane Meagher, condemned the attacks and has paid tribute to the response of Police Scotland and emergency services. |
| Cllr Meagher said: I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday. I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery. I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported. Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice. |
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “I am horrified by news of the attack in Edinburgh.
“I am grateful to the police and emergency services for their bravery in apprehending the suspect and for their speedy response in attending to the victims.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
“There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country.”
UPDATE – The four Scottish Green MSPs who represent Edinburgh: Lorna Slater, Kate Nevens, Q Manivannan and Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill issued a statement on Sunday morning:
“The attacks in Edinburgh were horrific, and our thoughts are with those who have been injured and their loved ones. We thank the emergency services for their quick response to this act of violence and for their engagement over this weekend.
“Many people across our city will be feeling shocked and frightened. Our Muslim communities in particular will be feeling a lot of anxiety and hurt. Our hearts and solidarity are with them, and with everyone who has been made to feel less safe.
“Nobody should be attacked because of who they are, the colour of their skin, or the faith they follow. Edinburgh is a proudly welcoming and diverse city, shaped by people of different backgrounds, faiths and cultures, and it always will be. The kindness and joy we saw only yesterday at Pride was a reflection of that.
“Attacks like this do not happen in isolation. They are the result of hatred being allowed to spread and take root.
“The video of the attacker’s arrest is chilling. The words he shouts are the same hateful tropes that have been circulated online, appeared in parts of our media, and increasingly found their way into political debate. It is a hatred that has been whipped up and amplified by algorithms and by powerful voices.
“We all have a responsibility not just to reject it but to challenge it wherever we encounter it.
“Those responsible for spreading such hatred want to turn our communities against each other and force people to live in fear. We cannot allow that to happen.
“Edinburgh is stronger than hate. We will stand together as a community, united against those who seek to spread fear and division.”
“We urge the Scottish Government to prioritise engaging with communities of colour, Muslim communities and migrant communities in Edinburgh to determine what additional support and protection measures need to be put in place.”
STUC General Secretary, Roz Foyer, said: “Scotland’s trade union movement stands behind those targeted by anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia throughout the country.
“The incident in Edinburgh this past week did not happen by accident. It is the product of right-wing forces, both in our politics and in our media, whipping people into a false frenzy of hatred and division.
“It is no coincidence that these attacks took place in Edinburgh’s most diverse areas. Scotland is enriched by our tolerance and respect. We cannot allow those who wish to divide us – on race, class, gender, religion and more – to prosper.
“More than ever, politicians need to rise to the occasion and unequivocally stamp out those who spread the poison of racism throughout Scotland. The trade union movement is working alongside our trades councils to ensure that our communities – those starved of resources, funding and hope – choose unity over hatred.
“We need others, especially those in positions of power, to stand by those facing persecution at the hands of those who all too readily incite violence and fear among working people.”
