A 36-year-old man, Lewis Hawkes, has been accused of carrying out attacks in Edinburgh with connections to terrorism. The charges against him include attempted murders with anti-Muslim motives, assault, robbery, breach of the peace, and culpable and reckless conduct, all aggravated by a terrorist link, according to the Crown Office.

The incidents, which occurred on Friday, left five men injured, two of whom were stabbed multiple times after prayers at Broomhouse Mosque. The other three men were attacked on Leith Walk. Counter-terrorism officers initiated an investigation into the attacks.

During a private hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Hawkes did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled for another court appearance within eight days.

Several attacks were reported across Edinburgh that evening. Two 22-year-old men were stabbed at Sighthill Park after leaving Asr prayer at the mosque, while a taxi was vandalized at a Shell garage. CCTV footage captured a man causing damage at a BP garage and later wielding weapons on Leith Walk.

Police Scotland has engaged with over 90 multi-faith organizations in Edinburgh following the attacks. Superintendent Neil Wilson emphasized the importance of supporting all communities to ensure they feel safe and included in society. Wilson urged collaboration to prevent marginalization and isolation of individuals or groups in Scotland.