Suspect arrested after alleged anti-Muslim attacks injure 5 in Scotland
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Counter-terrorism authorities are investigating a suspect’s claim that he carried out an attack in Scotland, injuring five people.
The attacks, believed to be anti-Muslim, began near a mosque in Edinburgh and left two men injured just before 9pm on Friday, authorities said. BBC News.
The 36-year-old Scottish suspect allegedly attacked three more men in another part of the city.
None of the victims, aged between 22 and 39, have life-threatening injuries. 3 of the injured were taken to hospitals.
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Counter-terrorism authorities are investigating claims that a suspect launched an attack in Edinburgh, injuring five people. (Ken Jack/Getty Images)
According to BBC News, the suspect also allegedly attacked a car at a gas station with broken windows and an ax inside, and pushed down the shelves at the station’s convenience store.
The news source also stated that an alleged gun attack in front of a pizzeria was also captured on security camera footage, adding that social media videos showed damage was also caused in other parts of the city.
Police Scotland said in a statement: “Officers responded to numerous reports of a rapidly developing series of events in Edinburgh before arresting a man and our priority was public safety.” he said.
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The man was detained around 9.30pm and is still there.
Deputy Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my initial thoughts are with those injured and those most directly affected.”
Scottish police at an immigration protest in Glasglow this week. (Jacob Hughes/Sipa USA)
“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hatred in Scotland, which is at its best when we stand together.”
According to BBC News, the suspect allegedly told the police that he was “protecting the country” when he was caught.
“Extensive work is ongoing to determine all the conditions,” Paton said. “We are supported by the Counter Terrorism Police and work under the direction of the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service.
Muslims pray in Edinburgh (Jeff J Mitchell/Reuters)
The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the attack, saying the community was “rightfully nervous and concerned”.
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“This incident occurred shortly after racist pogroms targeting minority families on the streets of Belfast and is a direct result of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities,” the council said. he said. “To our community: be vigilant, look out for each other, and please report Islamophobic hate crimes to the police.
