Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious fire in Leith. The incident happened early yesterday morning at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple on Sheriff Brae.
Officers on patrol were alerted to the building being alight and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responded to extinguish the flames.
While no one was injured, the temple’s front door sustained fire damage, while part of the interior was damaged by the smoke.
Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and the fire is being treated as deliberate.
Detective Inspector Clark Martin from Gayfield CID said, “Fortunately, the fire was extinguished relatively quickly and no one was injured, but nevertheless we are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness.
“Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around the temple, or in the Sheriff Brae area during the early hours of Tuesday morning, should contact police immediately.
“In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation is also asked to come forward.”
Inspector Andy Johnson of Leith Police Station said, “At this time we do not know if this has been a random and reckless act, or a targeted attack on the temple.
“In addition to maintaining a continued dialogue with staff within the temple, and the wider Sikh community, we will have a high-visibility presence in the area while this investigation is conducted to engage with the public and offer reassurance.
“If you believe you know something that can assist with the ongoing inquiry into this incident then please speak to the officers on patrol, contact us via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers.”
City council leader Councillor Adam McVey has also condemned the incident. He said: “This was a reckless and cowardly act, particularly on such important pillar of the Leith community.
“It’s too early to speculate on the motivations behind it but an attack on a place of prayer has no place in our, or any, society. It’s attack on all of us and our beliefs.
“Here in the Capital, we quite rightly celebrate our cultural diversity and the warm welcome that we consistently extend to peoples of all faiths and nationalities – and I am sure the people of Leith and Edinburgh will join me in condemning this despicable attack and standing in solidarity with all those affected.”
Those with information can contact Gayfield CID via 101 and quote incident number 385 of the 28th August. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A man has been arrested over a reported petrol bomb attack on the Sikh Temple which caused extensive damage.
Police Scotland said a 49-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the suspicious fire. They have appealed for witnesses.
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