Police investigating a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh have released new details after CCTV footage captured the moments leading up to the arrest of a 36-year-old man accused of carrying out assaults across the city.
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The footage, obtained by the BBC, shows a topless man driving erratically along Leith Walk on Friday evening before abandoning his vehicle and confronting several people while carrying two large knives and smoking a cigarette.
CCTV Captures Sequence of Attacks
The video shows a dark-coloured car swerving onto Leith Walk and stopping across a cycle lane. The driver then exits the vehicle and runs towards a man riding an e-bike before moving out of view.
He later returns to the car briefly before approaching a Black man who had just stepped off a tram. The footage appears to show the suspect repeatedly swinging two knives at the man, who manages to flee.
After abandoning the pursuit, the man is seen striking the door of a nearby pizzeria while members of the public run from the area. Minutes later, he allegedly attacked a delivery rider on an e-bike, causing the victim to fall.
Police officers arrived shortly afterwards and detained the suspect about five minutes after he first stopped on the street.
Earlier Stabbings Near Mosque
Police Scotland said five people were injured in a series of incidents across Edinburgh, with four requiring hospital treatment. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Investigators said the violence began near Broomhouse Mosque in western Edinburgh. Two 22-year-old men were sitting in Sighthill Park after attending Asr prayers at the mosque when they were approached and stabbed multiple times. Both were treated in hospital and discharged the following day.
The other injured victims were aged 24, 27 and 39.
Members of Edinburgh's Muslim community expressed shock at the attacks. A local community figure told the BBC it was difficult to believe such incidents could occur in a city known for its strong community relations.
Aaquil Hussain, a liaison officer at Broomhouse Mosque, described the attacks as contrary to British values while stressing that they did not reflect the wider city, Scotland or the UK. He said the community remained resilient despite the distress caused.
Damage at Other Locations
Police believe the suspect travelled from Sighthill to a petrol station on Telford Road, where a taxi driver was confronted, his vehicle damaged and an axe thrown through a window.
Additional videos circulating on social media appear to show disorder at other sites. CCTV from a petrol station on Ferry Road shows a man beside a damaged black vehicle before entering the shop and knocking over shelves.
Another video shows police restraining a topless man on the ground while he shouts that he is "protecting the country".
Police Scotland said officers equipped with Tasers detained the suspect but did not deploy the devices. He has since been charged.
video screenshot
Leaders Condemn Violence
Assistant Chief Constable Paton described the incidents as a "shocking attack" and said there was no place for racism or faith-based hatred in Scotland.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the suspect appeared to have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney condemned the violence and is expected to meet members of the local Muslim community.
The attacks occurred amid wider tensions in parts of the UK following recent incidents of unrest and racially motivated violence. Political leaders across Scotland, including opposition figures and local representatives, condemned the Edinburgh attacks and expressed support for affected communities.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 June 2026