LONDON, June 22 (Xinhua/GNA) — A 36-year-old man was charged on Monday with five counts of attempted murder, following a series of attacks in Edinburgh, Scotland, with prosecutors saying the alleged offenses were aggravated by a terrorist connection.
Lewis Hawkes, from Edinburgh, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court during a private hearing, but made no plea or declaration. He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court again within eight days.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said Hawkes, 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 10 alleged offenses were aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection, it said.
The charges relate to a series of incidents across the Scottish capital on Friday evening, that are suspected of having had an anti-Muslim motivation. Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is leading the investigation, supported by specialist and local police officers.
The first incident was reported in the west of Edinburgh around 8:30 p.m. Friday local time, before three other men were attacked in the Leith Walk area. A suspect was detained by police at around 9:30 p.m.
Police said five men sustained injuries. Three required hospital treatment, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.
GNA