Five people were injured in Scotland after a man armed with a machete launched a violent attack, according to reports.
The shirtless assailant appeared to direct the Friday violence toward Muslims as the incidents unfolded in Edinburgh, reports said.
Authorities said the 36-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released publicly, cut two men near a mosque in the western part of the city before allegedly injuring three more people on Leith Walk.
The BBC reported that none of the victims’ injuries are thought to be life-threatening.
The same man is also accused of damaging a gas station, a taxi parked there and frightening people inside a pizzeria.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed him toppling shelves inside the gas station kiosk and smashing both a window and the windshield of the vehicle, according to the outlet.
The machete-wielding suspect also allegedly menaced Origano Cafe & Pizzeria on Leith Walk, striking the business’s door with the blade before leaving, the report said.
Video posted online appeared to show the suspect, while pinned to the ground during his arrest, claiming he was “protecting his country” from Muslims.
“I’ve told you time and time again, I’m protecting the country from these f–king Muslim bastards. Raping our young daughters, raping our kids. Enough is enough. I have had enough,” the man shouted while being cuffed.
READ MORE: Guilty Jan. 6 Plea for Kene Brian Lazo, Alleged Child Abuser
Islamic community group MEND Scotland said several of the victims are Muslim, The BBC reported.
The Muslim Council of Britain also issued a statement and warned members of the faith to “stay vigilant.”
“To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police,” a spokesperson for the group said, according to the BBC.
Assistant Chief Constable of Police Catriona Paton issued a statement reassuring the Muslim minority community.
“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 Scotland which is at its best when we stand working together,” she said after the attack, the BBC reported.
The incident is currently being investigated by counter-terrorism police, according to The Scottish Sun.
The suspect is in police custody.
No charges have been announced.
