Edinburgh Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges Following Anti-Muslim Attack Spree

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Edinburgh: A 36-year-old Scottish man, Lewis Hawkes, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday to face five counts of attempted murder following a violent attack spree last Friday. 

The incident left five people injured, with three victims requiring hospital treatment for non-life-threatening wounds after police received multiple emergency reports of robbery, vandalism, and threats.

 Footage circulating online showed a suspect roaming city streets with a large weapon, reportedly shouting anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, stating the suspect appeared driven by anti-Muslim hatred. Advocacy groups, including MEND and the Scottish Association of Mosques, identified multiple victims as Muslim and have urged authorities to classify the incident as Islamophobic, far-right terror.

Hawkes, who is also charged with assault, robbery, and breach of the peace, did not enter a plea and remains remanded in custody. This violence occurs amid broader tensions regarding immigration across the United Kingdom, following recent unrest in Belfast and Southampton.