Man to face trial over Edinburgh 'anti-Muslim terrorist attack'

A man is set to face trial charged with carrying out a suspected anti-Muslim terrorist attack in Edinburgh.

On June 19, emergency services responded to a “series of incidents” across the west of the city and Leith, which started near a mosque.

Later, footage emerged online appearing to show a bare-chested man carrying a weapon and attacking a pizza shop on Leith Walk.

Another video appeared to show the same man at a petrol station brandishing a blade, while another video shows a man being held on the ground as he shouts he is “trying to protect his country”.

Police say they received multiple calls about violent attacks, including threats, robbery and vandalism across the city.

Five people were left injured.

On Tuesday, Lewis Hawkes, aged 36, appeared for a second time at Edinburgh Sheriff court, charged with five accounts of attempted murder, assault and robbery, two accounts of breach of the peace, and two accounts of culpable and reckless conduct.

All of the alleged offences are aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection.

Under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008, an offence has a terrorist connection if it takes place in the course of an act of terrorism or is committed for the purposes of terrorism.

Hawkes, of Edinburgh, made no plea, and was fully committed for trial.