Footage Captures Arrest in Anti-Muslim Attacks Probe
The BBC has obtained CCTV footage depicting the moments leading up to the arrest of a man linked to several suspected anti-Muslim assaults across Edinburgh.
In the footage, a topless man is seen driving erratically before abandoning his vehicle and attacking a black man and a delivery rider, while smoking and wielding two large knives.
Police reported that five individuals were injured in attacks at multiple locations across Edinburgh on Friday night. Counter-terrorism officers have joined the investigation.
Two of the victims had attended prayers at Broomhouse mosque approximately thirty minutes before being assaulted.
The CCTV footage reviewed by the BBC shows the man swerving a dark car onto Leith Walk, straddling the vehicle across a cycle lane.
The man exits the car topless and runs toward a man on an e-bike before moving out of the camera's view.
He returns to the vehicle briefly before emerging and running toward a black man who has just disembarked from a tram.
The footage shows the topless man, cigarette in mouth, repeatedly attacking the black man with two large knives.
The black man flees, and the attacker ceases pursuit, returning to strike the door of a pizzeria on Leith Walk as bystanders disperse.
Minutes later, the man runs onto Leith Walk and assaults a delivery driver on an e-bike, causing the rider to fall.
Police arrive shortly after and detain the man about five minutes after he initially stopped on the street.
Stabbing Incident Following Prayer
Police confirmed that five people were injured, four of whom required hospital treatment, in a series of incidents beginning at Broomhouse Mosque in the city’s west.
The force stated that none of the injuries were life-threatening. The victims included two men aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39.
The two 22-year-olds had been sitting in Sighthill Park near the mosque after Asr prayers at approximately 20:00 when approached by a man.
They were hospitalized and discharged on Saturday after sustaining multiple stab wounds.
A community member well-connected to Muslim groups in west Edinburgh told the BBC his "heart dropped" upon learning the victims were congregation members.
"It doesn't make sense that this is actually happening," he said. "You know how Edinburgh is, a very good community. I never thought that's a thing that would happen here."
Aaquil Hussain, a liaison officer responsible for parking and safety at Broomhouse Mosque, described the attacks as an "affront to British values."
"We understand that these attacks do not represent the vast majority of the city and Scotland and the United Kingdom.
"We're proud to live in Edinburgh. We will get on with it, this will pass. We are shook but we are resilient."
Hussain added that the community desires government action against "extremism" that leads individuals to accept "absolutely false" propaganda.
It is believed the attacker traveled from Sighthill to a Shell petrol station on Telford Road, where a taxi driver was confronted, his vehicle vandalized, and an axe was thrown through the window.
Additional videos posted on social media show a man causing disturbances at other locations.
One CCTV clip at the BP petrol station on Ferry Road shows a man standing beside a black vehicle with a smashed windscreen.
He then enters the shop, wanders around multiple times, and pushes over several shelves, scattering items.
In another video, a police officer is seen restraining a topless man on the ground, who shouts that he is "protecting the country."
Police Scotland stated officers equipped with Tasers confronted and detained a 36-year-old man but did not discharge the devices. The man has since been charged.
Assistant Chief Constable Paton described the incident as a "shocking attack."
"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."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, indicating the suspect appeared motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred." First Minister John Swinney stated there is "no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country."
Scotland Faces Rising Tensions
The attacks occur amid heightened tensions across the UK following multiple instances of unrest.
On Saturday, hundreds gathered in Birmingham to counter-protest a Britain First march, during which three women were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer.
Britain First supporters, led by Paul Golding, called for "mass deportations of foreigners."
In June, Hadi Alodid from Sudan was charged with attempted murder in Belfast.
Numerous demonstrations took place across the UK the following day, promoted by far-right figures, resulting in significant disorder in Belfast, including bricks thrown at police and property damage.
Earlier the same week, five people, including two police officers, were injured in racist attacks in Glasgow amid a masked march through the city center.
Police reported that individuals were "attacked because of the colour of their skin." Worshippers at Glasgow Central Mosque were temporarily locked inside as the marchers appeared to approach the place of worship.
Regarding the Edinburgh attacks, Justice Secretary Neil Gray condemned the incidents as "absolutely appalling" and praised police efforts.
"This serves to underline why religious and race based hatred and division cannot be tolerated in Scotland."
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay described the scenes as "truly horrific," emphasizing that faith-based attacks have "absolutely no place in our country."
Labour MP for Glasgow South, Zubir Ahmed, called the attacks "disgusting and disturbing," noting they serve as a reminder that Scotland is "not immune to these dark forces of hatred."
A joint statement from four Green MSPs representing Edinburgh expressed solidarity with those affected.
"Many people across our city will be feeling shocked and frightened.
Our Muslim communities in particular will be feeling a lot of anxiety and hurt. Our hearts and solidarity are with them, and with everyone who has been made to feel less safe."
