What we know so far about the series of attacks in Edinburgh
‘No one should face violence on our streets’ - Sir Keir Starmer
The series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday night have left people shocked and drawn widespread condemnation.
Here’s what we know so far.
What happened and who was injured?
Five people were injured in different parts of the city. The police say they were all men - two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39. Three required hospital treatment, but none of the injuries were life threatening.
The alarm was raised around 8.50pm on Friday when police were called to the Sighthill area. It has been reported two men were found injured near Broomhouse Mosque, with some reports describing the victims as “two young Muslim students” and saying they had been “stabbed”. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.
Police say they then received reports about incidents around retailers across the west and north of the city. They say they received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh.
Police are said to be investigating suspected links to a car crash on Friday evening at Crewe Toll, near the Village Hotel.
Police say that the incidents in which the other three victims were injured were at Telford Road and Leith Walk.
It has been reported a man, understood to be an Asian Deliveroo driver, was found injured on Telford Road. Other reports have spoken of a taxi driver being injured.
And police were seen at a petrol station on Telford Road. Video footage, posted online and said to come from the petrol station, showed a taxi with its windows smashed and police at the scene. Broken glass and an axe could be seen on the seat of the vehicle.
Video footage, from Leith Walk, shows a bare-chested man run across the road, then kick and hammer repeatedly on the door of a takeaway shop before walking away again.
Leith Walk and part of Duke Street were closed off. Police say that at around 9.30pm, officers equipped with a Taser confronted a suspect and, although the Taser was not discharged, the man was detained.
Video footage shows police with a man who is face down on the ground. A voice says: "Dude took his top off, ran down the street after people with a machete, screaming.”
Have any arrests been made?
Police arrested a 36-year-old white Scottish man and reassured the public there was no further threat.
And on Saturday afternoon police confirmed that counter-terrorism police were involved in the investigation into the attacks.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton called the attacks “shocking”. And she said: “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.”
On Sunday, police said a 36-year-old man had been charged in connection with a number of incidents in Edinburgh on Friday and he would appear in court in due course.
Who else has spoken out about the attacks?
Muslim leaders voiced “deep alarm” at the attacks. Omar Afzal, from the Scottish Association of Mosques, said: "There is a profound sense of shock, alarm and anger within Muslim communities across Edinburgh and Scotland.”
And he added: “For years, Muslim communities have warned about the consequences of anti-Muslim hatred becoming normalised in public discourse.”
Prime Minister Sir 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
First Minister John Swinney said he was “deeply concerned” about the attacks and added: "There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.”
Edinburgh council leader Jane Meaagher said she was “shocked and outraged”. She continued: “I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder - there is simply no place for it in our city.