Extensive damage to Leith Sikh temple in arson attack

A molotov cocktail shoved through the door of Sikh temple in Leith setting fire to the building has caused extensive damage.

Police were called to the blaze at 5am this morning after a member of the public noticed the flames licking the front door of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Sheriff Brae.

Forensic officers sealed off the area after a petrol canister stuffed with a piece of cloth was found.

Galab Singh, a committee member of the Gurdwara Sahib said: “When I heard there was a fire I had to rush here and go upstairs to check Mahraaj’s saroops with my own eyes.

Sikh temple Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Leith, Edinburgh, which has sustained fire damage after an arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Aug 28 2018

“I’m quite surprised at this attack, the Gurdwara Sahib enjoys a good relationship with the local community here.”

The organisation also posted on Facebook: “Someone tried to burn down the front door. There’s a lot of internal smoke damage, and access to Gurdwara sahib has been denied by police, until smoke clears and is safe to enter.

“Sri guru Granth Sahib jee’s saroops are untouched, but Devan hall has major smoke damage.”

Officers have launched a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service into the incident.

Sikh temple Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Leith, Edinburgh, which has sustained fire damage after an arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Aug 28 2018

A Police spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the flames at the front door. “Some of the building’s interior also sustained smoke damage.

“A joint investigation is currently underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”

The Church of Scotland has extended its deepest sympathy to Edinburgh’s Sikh community who sustained an attack early this morning when the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib temple in Leith was subjected to an arson attack.

Rt Rev Susan Brown, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “How sad that a place of worship should be the target of such a hateful act. I am glad no one was injured and extend sympathy to the Sikh community in Edinburgh.

There was extensive damage at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple

“We recognise the actions of a small minority do not reflect the good relations that exist with your local community. There is no room in Scotland for intolerance.”

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