Multiple victims were from the Muslim community, as the incidents are being investigated by counter-terrorism officers, with one man in custody
A topless man appearing to hold a blade in his hand on Leith Walk(Image: Facebook/Edinburgh Live)
Five people have been injured in Edinburgh as a man “wielding a knife” reportedly went on a rampage through the city’s streets.
Violent attacks, threats, robbery and vandalism across the west of the Scottish capital and Leith were reported on Friday, June 19.
Two men understood to have been attacked near Broomhill Mosque were found injured in the Sighthill area of the city at 8.50pm, Daily Record reports.
A third man, understood to be an Asian Deliveroo driver, was then found injured on Telford Road, with the fourth and fifth male victims attacked in the area at Leith Walk.
The victims, two of whom are aged 22, while the others are aged 24, 27 and 29, sustained a range of injuries. These are not life-threatening, but three victims required hospital treatment.
According to MEND Scotland, a Muslim engagement group, multiple of those injured are part of the Muslim community.
The incidents are being investigated by Counter-Terrorism Policing Scotland as a 36-year-old Scottish man was arrested and remains in custody.
Social media footage appears to show a man being arrested on Leith Walk, and being Tasered before he could be detained.
The clip, seen by the Record, shows a handcuffed man shouting at officers: “I’m protecting the f***ing country.”
A separate video showed a topless man carrying a large blade while walking along Leith Walk.
Police were also called to retailers across the West and North of the city about vandalism.
A video shows a topless man smashing the windows of Origano Cafe & Pizzeria on Leith Walk. Owners were forced to close the shutters to end the attack.
A member of staff told the Record: “A man ran up and smashed the windows. We were able to put the shutter down quickly to protect everyone. It’s a very frightening situation. It’s just horrible.”
Leith Walk was closed following the incident and diversions were put in place.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.
“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.
“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.”
