London, June 22:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned a series of violent attacks in Edinburgh, Scotland, which police say were motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
The attacks on Friday injured five men and triggered a major police response, with Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland now leading the investigation.
Police said a 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested after reports of threats, robbery, vandalism, and stabbings across multiple locations in Edinburgh, including Sighthill, Telford Road, and Leith Walk.
Officers armed with tasers detained the suspect around 9:30 pm. Starmer called the violence “absolutely appalling” and said the suspect would face the full force of the law, expressing sympathy for the injured and praise for emergency services.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also condemned the attack, saying there is “no place for hatred and violence against Muslims.” Authorities confirmed ongoing patrols and investigations, while community groups reported that several victims were Muslim.
Scottish leaders also denounced the incident and stressed there is no place for racism or religious hatred in society.