First Minister John Swinney has condemned a suspected anti-Muslim knife rampage in Edinburgh that left five people injured on Friday, urging Scots to 'stand united' against hatred. Police are investigating whether the suspect deliberately targeted Muslims on Leith Walk and other areas of the capital.
Attack details and police response
Police received multiple calls from terrified members of the public about violent attacks, threats, robbery and vandalism across west Edinburgh on Friday. Two men were found injured in the Sighthill area at 8.50pm, believed to have been attacked near Broomhouse Mosque. They were taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment. A third man, understood to be an Asian Deliveroo driver, was later found injured on Telford Road, while two other men were attacked on Leith Walk.
Footage online showed a man being detained while shouting: 'I'm protecting the country.' A separate video showed a topless man carrying a large blade while walking along Leith Walk.
Swinney's condemnation and community reassurance
Swinney said in a statement: 'There is no place for race-based or faith-based violence in Scotland. My thoughts are with all who have been impacted - the victims but also the communities who are understandably anxious by what happened. We must all stand united in utter condemnation of the heinous attack that took place in Edinburgh. Anti-Muslim hatred is abhorrent, and we must not allow recent attempts to stoke fear to divide us.'
The First Minister was briefed on the investigation by Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton. He added: 'Everyone who lives in Scotland – those that were born here and those that have decided to make Scotland their home – epitomise Scotland’s values of hope, tolerance and solidarity. These are values that must be cherished, nurtured and protected. We must all come together to ensure that.'
Government action and upcoming community meeting
Swinney said his government will 'lead from the front in tackling all forms of violence, division and prejudice.' He will meet with members of the Muslim community on Monday to discuss the attacks and reassure them of support.
