Man charged in connection with violent attacks across Edinburgh
‘Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice’ - Cllr Jane Meagher
A man had been charged in connection with a series of violent attacks which took place in Edinburgh on Friday evening.
Counter-terrorism police are investigating the incidents which happened in different parts of the city and left five people injured. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on social media that the attacks appeared to be motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred".
The alarm was raised at around 8.50pm when police were called to Sighthill, where two men had been injured and were taken to hospital. The incidents in which the other three men were injured took place in Telford Road and Leith Walk.
Several of the victims were Muslims, according to the Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) organisation.
A man who was working at the Shell garage on Telford Road said he, a colleague and a customer heard noise outside and stayed inside the shop and locked the doors as the incident unfolded.
Uday Kiran Naga told the Press Association : "We closed the door and I locked the door. It was very, very scary. We called the police and I think people outside called the police. The police came very quickly, two or three vehicles."
He said people in the area had been left shocked by the incident, adding: "Customers are coming in saying it's scary, it's incredible. Nothing like this has happened before."
Police Scotland said: "A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June, 2026.
"A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course."
Keir Starmer posted on X, linking to an image of a bare-chested man carrying a large weapon, saying: "Absolutely appalling. 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.
"My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response."
First Minister John Swinney also condemned the violence in an online post on X, saying: "I am deeply concerned by these incidents.
"There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country. I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government."
Meanwhile, Edinburgh council leader Jane Meagher issued a statement condemning the attacks and praising the response of Police Scotland and the emergency services.
She said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I and fellow councillors stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder - there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city - strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”