Man charged with five counts of attempted murder linked to terrorism

A 36-year-old man has been charged with five counts of attempted murder "aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection" after a series of attacks in Edinburgh.

Lewis Hawkes appeared at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court for a private hearing on Monday, but did not enter a plea.

He was also charged with one count of assault and robbery, two counts of breach of the peace and two counts of culpable and reckless conduct - all of which are also aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection, the Crown Office said.

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating the attacks across the city on Friday, which left five people injured and are suspected to have an anti-Muslim motivation.

He was remanded in custody, ahead of another court appearance within eight days.

Superintendent Neil Wilson, of Police Scotland's Edinburgh local policing division, said: "We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time."

He added: "While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland."

Five men - two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39 - suffered a range of injuries during the attack.

Three of the men required hospital treatment.

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Several of those injured are believed to be Muslim and two of them had reportedly been attacked after attending prayers at their local mosque, the Scottish Association of Mosques said.

Police received multiple calls on Friday about alleged attacks across Edinburgh.

At around 9.30pm, police officers equipped with Taser confronted a suspect and, although the Taser was not discharged, the man was detained.

Supt Wilson said: "We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need."

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