Counter terror police launch probe after five injured in Edinburgh incidents

Counter-terrorism officers have launched a probe into a series of incidents in Edinburgh which left five people injured.

Police Scotland said a 36-year-old white Scottish man has been arrested, adding there is no further threat to the public.

Officers were called to a report of an incident in the Sighthill area of the city, where two men were injured, at around 8.50pm on Friday.

Police said they then received reports about incidents around retailers across the west and north of the city.

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The force said that during this period three other men were allegedly attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk area.

Police said that five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three needed hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.

The organisation Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) said that several of those injured are Muslim, with the Scottish Association of Mosques (SAM) said two of those hurt were "reportedly attacked after attending prayers at their local mosque".

Police said the 36-year-old man was detained at around 9.30pm on Friday.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said it was a "shocking" incident and that her thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.

She said: "I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.

"Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority. Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances.

"We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service."

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ACC Paton continued: "I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal."

Police closed off Leith Walk on Friday evening as the incidents unfolded, with posts on social media appearing to show a man with a knife on the street.

Another video appeared to show a topless man on the ground shouting that he is "protecting the country" as he is held by an officer.

A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

In a statement, First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply concerned" by the attacks.

The SNP leader added: "There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country. I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the government."

A spokesman from SAM said in a statement: "The attacks in Edinburgh are... the latest in an alarming pattern of hostility and violence directed towards Muslims, mosques and Islamic institutions across Scotland.

"In recent months, communities have witnessed mosques being targeted, racist incidents directed at Muslim communities, and a broader rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric both online and offline."

Commenting on the incidents, the Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: "These attacks were awful and my thoughts are with those who were injured and affected by them.

"As Police Scotland have said, there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland.

"They have also confirmed that a man has been arrested, there is no threat to the public and their inquiries are ongoing. I encourage anyone with information to contact the police.

"This was clearly a very serious incident and my thanks go to the emergency services for their bravery and skill in bringing the incident under control."

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