Counterterrorism officials investigating after suspect goes on rampage in alleged hate attack: report

Counterterrorism officials are investigating after a suspect went on a rampage in Scotland, leaving five men injured.

The attacks, which are believed to have been anti-Muslim, began near a mosque in Edinburgh where two men were injured just before 9 p.m. Friday, officials said, according to BBC News. 

The suspect, who is a 36-year-old Scottish man, also allegedly attacked three other men in another part of the city.

None of the victims, who range in age from 22 to 39, have life-threatening injuries. Three of the victims were taken to the hospital.

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The suspect also allegedly attacked a car at a gas station, which was found with its windows smashed out and an axe inside, and he was seen pushing down shelves inside the station’s mart, BBC News reported.

He was also caught on surveillance video allegedly on the attack outside a pizzeria with a weapon, the outlet reported, adding that social media videos show havoc in other areas of the city as well.

"Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority," Police Scotland said in a statement.

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The man was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. local time and he remains there.

"This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected," Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said.

She added, "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." 

The suspect allegedly told police when he was caught that he was "protecting the country," BBC News reported.

"Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances," Paton said. "We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the attack, saying the community is "rightly nervous and worried."

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