Two Muslim students who were stabbed in an alleged anti-Muslim attack in Edinburgh have spoken out about their ordeal, while a teenager was rushed to hospital after a suspected stabbing in Irvine. These are among the top crime stories across Scotland on Saturday.
Edinburgh 'Knife Attack' Victims Speak Out
Two 22-year-old students from India, who arrived in Scotland just four weeks ago to study master's degrees, were left with serious injuries after being stabbed in Sighthill Park, Edinburgh, at around 8:50 pm on June 19. The incident occurred shortly after they had left evening prayers at a city mosque. Lewis Hawkes, 36, has since appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with five counts of attempted murder aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection, after three other men aged 24, 27, and 29 were also injured in separate incidents in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas.
The students said they are now too scared to leave their homes following the attack. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the incident appeared to be motivated by 'anti-Muslim hatred'. One of the victims, speaking anonymously, said: 'We came here for a better future, but now we are afraid to go outside.'
Irvine Teen Stabbed, Two Boys Charged
Emergency crews were called to Irvine's High Street at around 8:40 pm on Friday after reports of youths causing a disturbance. A 17-year-old male was found seriously assaulted and taken to hospital for treatment. Reports online indicate the teenager was stabbed, though his condition remains unknown. Police Scotland confirmed that two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested and charged in connection with the incident. They will be reported to the relevant authorities in due course.
Ex-Gangster Paul Ferris Meets Actor for Biopic
Former gangster Paul Ferris, 62, met with actor Paul Brannigan, 38, on Thursday at Molly Malone's pub in Glasgow to discuss an upcoming movie about Ferris's life. Brannigan, known for his roles in Angel's Share and River City, is set to play Ferris in the sequel to 2013's 'The Wee Man', which won a Scottish BAFTA and starred Martin Compston as Ferris. The new film, tentatively titled 'Ferris', will be produced by Glasgow-based Tartan Productions.
SNP 'Fears' Inquiry into Peter Murrell Embezzlement
Professor James Mitchell, a leading expert on the SNP from the University of Edinburgh, said the party 'fears' an independent inquiry into the Peter Murrell scandal, as multiple members were 'complicit' in the fraud. Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP, was jailed for five years and three months last week after being convicted of embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over 12 years. Mitchell stated that whistleblowers who raised questions about the SNP's finances in 2020 and 2021 were 'harassed, bullied and marginalised'. Cynthia Guthrie, a former member of the party's finance and audit committee, alleged that John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon were 'culpable' for Murrell's actions. Another former committee member, Allison Graham, claimed they were 'bullied' after raising concerns internally in 2021.
Man Dies in Fife Tractor Accident
A man has died after a tractor overturned in a field near the A985 in Dunfermline, Fife. Emergency services received the alarm at 8 pm on Friday, June 26, and attended the scene, but the man was pronounced dead. His family has been informed. Police say the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. The Health and Safety Executive has also been notified.
