Counterterrorism officers are investigating a series of attacks in Scotland after five men were injured during an alleged rampage in Edinburgh.
Authorities believe the incidents may have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. The violence began near a mosque in Edinburgh shortly before 9 p.m. Friday, where two men were hurt, officials said, according to BBC News.
The suspect, identified as a 36-year-old Scottish man, is also accused of assaulting three additional men in another area of the city.
Police said the victims, who are between 22 and 39 years old, did not suffer life-threatening injuries. Three of the men were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Counterterrorism officers are investigating after five men were injured in a series of attacks in Edinburgh. (Ken Jack/Getty Images)
The suspect is further alleged to have damaged a vehicle at a gas station, where police found smashed windows and an axe inside the car, BBC News reported. He was also seen knocking over shelves inside the station’s shop, according to the outlet.
Surveillance footage also appeared to show the man carrying out an attack outside a pizzeria while armed with a weapon, BBC News reported. Videos shared on social media showed further disruption unfolding in other parts of the city.
“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority,” Police Scotland said in a statement.
The man was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. local time and he remains there.
“This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected,” Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said.
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Scottish police at an immigration protest in Glasglow this week. (Jacob Hughes/Sipa USA)
She added, “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.”
The suspect allegedly told police when he was caught that he was “protecting the country,” BBC News reported.
“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances,” Paton said. “We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Muslims at daily prayer in Edinburgh. (Jeff J Mitchell/Reuters)
The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the attack, saying the community is “rightly nervous and worried.”
“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,” the council added. “To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police.
