Five injured after man targets mosque area, vandalises businesses in Edinburgh

A series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks unfolded across Edinburgh on Friday evening, leaving five men injured and prompting widespread condemnation from political leaders and community groups.

The violence is understood to have begun near the Broomhouse mosque in the west of the city, where two men were assaulted and later taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment. Police Scotland said the incidents formed part of a “fast-moving sequence of events” that later spread to other parts of the city.

Footage shared on social media appeared to show a bare-chested man carrying a large weapon as he vandalised a Shell petrol station on Telford Road and struck the door of a pizzeria on Leith Walk before being restrained by police officers. Images from the petrol station showed a taxi with smashed windows, while broken glass and a hand axe could be seen inside the vehicle. Police said three other men were attacked on Telford Road and Leith Walk, bringing the total number of injured to five. The victims were aged 22, 22, 24, 27 and 39, and none of the injuries was believed to be life-threatening. A 36-year-old man has since been charged in connection with the incidents and is due to appear in court.

The attacks drew swift condemnation from leaders across the UK. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the suspect appeared to have been motivated by “anti-Muslim hatred”, adding: “My thoughts are with those who are injured, and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply concerned” by the incidents and stressed that “there is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country”.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton echoed those remarks, saying there was “no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland”, while Muslim engagement group MEND Scotland said several of the victims were members of the Muslim community.