Counter-terrorism officers are investigating after a 36-year-old white man was arrested in connection with an alleged anti-Muslim spree of attacks in Edinburgh.
Five men were hurt in what police believe may have been a series of anti-Muslim incidents across the Scottish capital.
Police Scotland said the injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. Two of the victims are aged 22, while the others are 24, 27 and 39.
According to the BBC, two of the men were reportedly injured near Broomhouse mosque in west Edinburgh before being taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Video shared on social media appeared to show a shirtless man carrying a weapon and damaging a petrol station on Telford Road.
The clip, filmed several miles from the mosque, also appeared to show a taxi with shattered windows and officers at the scene.
Images from the scene suggested a hand axe and broken glass were visible on a seat inside the vehicle.
Several further videos circulated online appeared to capture the same person causing disruption in other parts of the city.
CCTV showed the topless man near a black vehicle which had a smashed windscreen before entering the petrol station on Ferry Road.
After entering the petrol station kiosk, he could be seen walking around multiple times before pushing shelves down, leaving items scattered across the floor.
Counter-terror police have launched a probe after a 36-year-old white man is arrested over an alleged ‘anti-Muslim’ rampage in Edinburgh
Then, people can be seen fleeing Origano pizzeria on Leith Walk as the man approaches with panicked staff closing the shutters.
The man could be seen hitting the door with a weapon several times before walking away.
An individual could also be seen approaching a car stopped at a nearby junction.
A separate video emerged online suggesting a heavy police presence as well as ambulances on the scene as bystanders watched on behind police tape.
Paramedics could be seen treating a clothed man on the ground who appeared to have his arm in a sling.
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Another clip appeared to show a police officer holding a bare chested man on the ground, who was yelling profanities as well as saying he is ‘protecting the country’.
Police armed with Tasers took the man into custody, however they did not use the devices.
A 36-year-old white man has since been taken into custody as Police Scotland and counter terrorism police work together in an ongoing investigation.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘A 36-year old man has been arrested following a series of incidents at a number of locations across the West of Edinburgh, and Leith, during the evening of Friday, 19 June.
‘Four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing, however, we believe there to be no further risk to the public at this time. Members of the public are thanked for their assistance.’
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, said he was ‘deeply concerned’ by the incident.
‘There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country,’ he added.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Council of Britain has said their community is concerned and ‘rightly worried.
A spokesperson said: ‘This incident comes not long after racist pogroms on the streets of Belfast that targeted minority families, and is a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities.
‘To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police.’
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: ‘This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.
‘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. ‘I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.
‘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.’
Anyone with information has been urged to submit information using an online form which can be found here.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
