This CCTV footage obtained by BBC from Edinburgh sounds genuinely scary,not just because of violence,but because it is being looked at as series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks . And honestly,when knives,random street attacks and people returning from prayers all come in same story,it becomes very disturbing .
Footage reportedly shows topless man driving in erratic way before he abandons vehicle and starts attacking people with two large knives . This all happened on Friday evening,and five people were injured .
And scene itself looks chaotic from details coming out . Man is seen swerving onto Leith Walk and then straddling his car across designated cycle lane . After that,he gets out with knives and attacks a black man who had just got off tram.
Witnesses also said he assaulted a delivery driver shortly after that . Police reached quickly and suspect was apprehended within minutes of his first appearance on street,which probably stopped situation from becoming even worse.
Few things standing out clearly here:
- Five people were injured in attacks,with two requiring hospitalization.
- Counter-terrorism teams from Police Scotland are handling investigation.
- Two injured people had just attended prayers at Broomhouse Mosque before being attacked.
And this is where community fear becomes very real . When people are attacked after prayers,it does not feel like normal street violence only,it raises questions about hate,extremism and whether people are feeling safe in their own city.
Local liaison officer Aaquil Hussain said attacks do not reflect majority view of Edinburgh,and his words felt heavy: "We are proud to live in Edinburgh . We will get on with it; this will pass . We are shook but we are resilient." He also called for UK government to take decisive action against extremism and misinformation that fuels such violent acts .
Community leaders have condemned violence and called for unity against hate crimes . Many also expressed shock that something like this could happen in city known for strong community values. Police have said suspect,aged 36,has been charged,and none of injuries are considered life-threatening.
But still,tbh,physical injuries may heal faster than fear left behind after such attack . People going for prayers,delivery workers,random commuters… everyone suddenly becomes part of same frightening evening,and question is how many more warning signs society needs before taking hate seriously…
