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Edinburgh attacks investigated
Counter-terrorism officers investigated suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh after five men were injured in a “fast-moving sequence of events” on Friday night.
“Counterterrorism police in Scotland probe suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh 5 men were injured in series of violent incidents across Scottish capital before police arrested 36-year-old white Scottish man Aysu Bicer and Gizem Nisa Demir 20 June 2026•Update: 20 June 2026 LONDON / ISTANBUL Scottish police launched a probe into a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks in the capital Edinburgh on Friday night, prompting a counterterrorism investigation after arresting a 36-year-old white Scottish man, according to multiple media reports”
The BBC said the attacks began near a mosque in the west of the city, where two men were injured, and it reported that a 36-year-old white man was arrested with counter terrorism officers joining Police Scotland.
Police said the incidents involved injuries to five men, including two aged 22 and others aged 24, 27 and 39, and that none of the injuries was believed to be life-threatening.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said in a statement there was "no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland," as police received multiple reports across the west and north of the city including Telford Road and Leith Walk.
Leaders, mosques, and fear
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, saying the suspect appeared to be motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred" and posting, "My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response."
The Muslim Council of Britain said the Muslim community is "rightly nervous and worried" and described the violence as "a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities."
The Scottish Association of Mosques said two worshippers were attacked after leaving the Broomhouse mosque, and Omar Afzal, director of public affairs for the Scottish Association of Mosques, told The Scotsman that there was a “profound sense of shock, alarm and anger within Muslim communities across Scotland today.”
John Swinney said he was "deeply concerned" by the incidents and added, "There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country," while the BBC reported that officers confronted and detained the suspect with Tasers not discharged.
What happens next
Police Scotland said there was no further threat to the public after the arrest of the 36-year-old white Scottish man, and the BBC reported that officers were urged to contact police with information.
“Counterterrorism police have taken over an investigation into suspected anti-Muslim violence in Edinburgh, Scotland, that left five men injured, authorities said Saturday”
The BBC described a major incident response that included injuries treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and it said police responded to reports of “violent attacks including threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five men injured.”
MEND Scotland urged police to "treat this as what the evidence indicates: Islamophobic, far-right terror," while the Scottish Association of Mosques and Muslim Engagement and Development said several victims were Muslims.
In parallel, the BBC reported that a major incident public portal was set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers as the investigation continued.
