Anti-immigration protesters gathered at a block of flats where a man was arrested after two people were injured by a knifeman on Monday. The protesters, who said they were demonstrating against illegal immigration, denounced Police Scotland and both the Scottish and UK governments outside Cobbinshaw House in the Calder area of Edinburgh on Friday.
The anti-immigration protesters shouted “stop the boats” and other slogans before marching through the streets to St. Nicholas Parish Church, a few streets away, where a small group of counter-protesters held a demonstration. A large number of Police Scotland officers were deployed, who kept the two groups separate. No incidents of physical violence between them appeared to have taken place.
Mustafa Kokoneh, 23, appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, where he faced eight separate charges, including two counts of attempted murder.
Scotland and Union flags — some displaying messages of 'stop the boats' — were pictured being waved by anti-immigration protesters.
It's thought at least 100 people took part in the protest which ended at around 8pm.
Edinburgh Napier University reportedly told all students and staff that its Sighthill campus was to close early as a “precautionary measure” because of the protests.
A spokesperson told The National: “We are aware of potential protests planned in the Sighthill area this evening and are closing our Sighthill campus at 4pm as a precautionary measure.
“The safety of the Edinburgh Napier University community is our priority.”
Police Scotland was contacted for comment.