Man charged over suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh that injured five

A 36-year-old man has been charged following a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks across Edinburgh that left five men injured on

Police Scotland said the attacks began near a mosque in the west of the city on June 19, where two men were injured. Additional incidents occurred across Edinburgh over the following 40 minutes, including vandalism and assaults. Three of the five victims, aged between 22 and 39, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested on Friday night. Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland took over the investigation, supported by specialist officers and local police. There is no further threat to the public. The man has now been formally charged in connection with the incidents, which are being treated as potential hate crimes.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks. “Absolutely appalling,” he said. “No one should face violence on our streets. The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this — he will face the full force of the law.”

Videos circulating online showed a shirtless man carrying a weapon and shouting anti-Muslim statements before being detained by officers.