A MAN has been charged over a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks around Edinburgh which left five people injured.
On Friday, police received multiple calls from members of the public concerning threats, robbery and vandalism across the capital.
Videos on social media appeared to show a man with a knife in the street, while another video appeared to show a topless man on the ground shouting that he is “protecting the country” as he is held by an officer.
Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27 and 39, sustained a range of injuries, with three requiring hospital treatment.
The organisation Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) said that several of those injured are Muslim.
Police arrested a white Scottish man on Friday, with counter-terrorism police leading investigations.
Officers confirmed late on Saturday evening that the man has now been charged in connection with the incidents.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place in Edinburgh on Friday, June 19, 2026.
"A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course."
Muslim groups have condemned the violent attacks, with the Muslim Council of Britain saying they are "a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities".
The Scottish Association of Mosques (SAM) also expressed "deep alarm", saying that two of the injured men were attacked after attending prayers at their local mosque.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “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.
“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances.”
First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply concerned" by the attacks, adding: "There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country."
Justice Secretary Neil Gray added: “These attacks were awful and my thoughts are with those who were injured and affected by them.
“As Police Scotland have said, there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland.
“They have also confirmed that a man has been arrested, there is no threat to the public and their inquiries are ongoing. I encourage anyone with information to contact the police.
“This was clearly a very serious incident and my thanks go to the emergency services for their bravery and skill in bringing the incident under control.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attacks were "absolutely appalling" and appear "to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred".
He said: "I will not tolerate this - he will face the full force of the law.
"My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added: "The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
"There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country."
