Edinburgh: A 36-year-old man has been arrested after five Muslim youths were stabbed during prayers at a mosque in Edinburgh, Scottish police said on Sunday. Authorities suspect the attack may have been motivated by hostility toward the Muslim community.
Police said the suspect, arrested today, is believed to be linked to several recent assaults across the Scottish capital and nearby areas. The incidents took place last Friday in locations including Sighthill and Telford Road, the force added.
The victims, aged between 22 and 39, suffered multiple stab wounds with a sharp knife. Three of the five remain in hospital receiving treatment; medical officials described their condition as stable.
Officers detained the man after members of the public reported a person walking through the city carrying a bladed weapon. While he was being restrained, footage circulating on social media showed him making abusive remarks about Muslims and appearing to justify his actions, saying in part: “They are brutalising our sisters. I am angry about it. I am doing this so it does not happen again. We will not let them go free. I am trying to save this country from their menace.”
Police said a full investigation is under way and that specialised counter-terrorism and serious-crime units are involved. They added there is no ongoing threat to the wider public and urged people not to panic.
Political leaders condemned the attack. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as a “horrific” assault, offered support to the injured and thanked emergency services and the police for their response. Scottish First Minister John Swinney said there is no place in the country for racism or hate politics.
The Scottish Mosque Association called the incident a premeditated attack on the Muslim community and said it was particularly worrying that two people were wounded while attending prayers. The suspect is expected to appear in court shortly.