Counter-terror police launch investigation after 'bare-chested man goes on anti-Muslim rampage' in Edinburgh - as 36-year-old is arrested

Counter-terror police have launched a probe after a 36-year-old white man is arrested over an alleged 'anti-Muslim' rampage in Edinburgh

Five men have been injured in a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks which are believed to have taken place across the city. 

Police Scotland has said none of the injuries sustained are believed to be life threatening. Two of those injured are 22, while the others are aged, 24, 27, and 39.

Two of the men are said to have been injured near the Broomhouse mosque, in west Edinburgh, and were later taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the BBC reported.  

Footage has emerged on social media showing what appeared to be a topless man vandalising a petrol station on Telford Road and carrying a weapon. 

The footage, taken several miles away from the mosque, showed a taxi with smashed windows as well as a police presence. 

Images indicated that a hand axe as well as broken glass could be seen in a seat of the vehicle. 

Meanwhile, several other videos were published online appearing to show the same individual causing chaos in other areas of the ctiy. 

CCTV showed the topless man near a black vehicle which had a smashed windscreen before entering the petrol station on Ferry Road. 

After entering the petrol station kiosk, he could be seen walking around multiple times before pushing shelves down, leaving items scattered across the floor.

Then, people can be seen fleeing Origano pizzeria on Leith Walk as the man approaches with panicked staff closing the shutters.   

The man could be seen hitting  the door with a weapon several times before walking away. 

An individual could also be seen approaching a car stopped at a nearby junction.

A separate video emerged online suggesting a heavy police presence as well as ambulances on the scene as bystanders watched on behind police tape.

Paramedics could be seen treating a clothed man on the ground who appeared to have his arm in a sling. 

Another clip appeared to show a police officer holding a bare chested man on the ground, who was yelling profanities as well as saying he is 'protecting the country'.

Police armed with Tasers took the man into custody, however they did not use the devices.  

Counter-terror police have launched a probe after a 36-year-old white man is arrested over an alleged 'anti-Muslim' rampage in Edinburgh

Counter-terror police have launched a probe after a 36-year-old white man is arrested over an alleged 'anti-Muslim' rampage in Edinburgh

A 36-year-old white man has since been taken into custody as Police Scotland and counter terrorism police work together in an ongoing investigation. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'A 36-year old man has been arrested following a series of incidents at a number of locations across the West of Edinburgh, and Leith, during the evening of Friday, 19 June.

'Four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing, however, we believe there to be no further risk to the public at this time. Members of the public are thanked for their assistance.'

John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, said he was 'deeply concerned' by the incident. 

 'There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country,' he added.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Council of Britain has said their community is concerned and 'rightly worried. 

A spokesperson said: 'This incident comes not long after racist pogroms on the streets of Belfast that targeted minority families, and is a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises entire communities.

'To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, and please report any Islamophobic hate crimes to the police.'

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow. 

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