Scottish police said on Sunday they have charged a 36-year-old man in connection with a series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday.
“A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which occurred in Edinburgh on Friday, June 19, 2026,” a Scottish Police statement said.
“A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, and the individual will appear in court at the appropriate time.”
On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attacks appeared to be motivated by “anti-Muslim hatred”.
Starmer condemns ‘horrific’ Edinburgh attacks
The British Prime Minister condemned the attacks.
“Absolutely appalling. No one should have to face violence on our streets,” Starmer said in a post on Twitter.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney also condemned the attacks.
“I am deeply concerned by these incidents,” he said in an ex-post.
“There is no room for violence, racism or intolerance in our country. I met with community groups last week to assure them of the government’s strong support.”
What were the Friday attacks in Edinburgh?
On Friday, police said they had responded to reports of “violent attacks, including threats, robberies and vandalism” across the city and that counter-terrorism police had begun investigating the incidents.
Police closed the major Leith Walk road which links the town center with the coastal suburb of Leith.
British media reported that the attacks appeared to have started near a mosque in western Edinburgh and continued into other parts of the city.
Footage on social media showed a shirtless man walking down the street carrying a weapon, and another video showed him being stopped by police and shouting about “protecting the country”.
About five people were injured in the attacks, three of whom required hospital treatment.
The incidents come amid a wave of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiment in Britain, including riots in the Northern Irish capital Belfast and other cities.
Edited by: Louis Olofse
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