Thousands join anti-racism demo after terrorism-linked murder bids

Thousands of people have taken part in an anti-racism demonstration, a week on from alleged anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh.

The Reclaim Our Streets rally drew support from politicians, trade unions, local people and community groups.

It came after five people were injured in a series of incidents on 19 June, which began near a mosque in the west of the city and ended in Leith Walk.

A man has since appeared in court charged with five counts of attempted murder linked to terrorism.

Lewis Hawkes, 36, made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Demonstrators sat on the road in Leith Walk, at the spot where one of the alleged attacks took place, and held a one-minute silence

Trams and traffic were stopped before a rally was held in Pilrig Park.

Rania Obead, co-convener of Stand Up to Racism, said the aim of the event was to send a message of solidarity to the victims and their families.

She said the organisation would work with trade unions, political parties and faith groups to “make sure that everyone in this country feels safe and feels welcome”.

Talat Yaqoob, of Women Against the Far Right Scotland, said the fallout from recent violence in Belfast had left many people of colour feeling like they had a “target on their back”.

She added that they were being “blamed and scapegoated for every societal ill”.

Linda Somerville, STUC deputy general secretary, praised the “fantastic” turnout.

She said: “We don’t want people to feel intimidated as they go about their business and we want people to feel supported.”

Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar said some politicians on the right should be “ashamed” of their recent comments.

He added: “Your words have consequences.”