Description issued as police investigate fire at Mosque
The Central Mosque in the Potterrow area had minor fire damage to the door and a small bush in the garden.
A description has been released of a man police want to trace after a suspicious fire at a mosque in Edinburgh.
The Central Mosque in the Potterrow area had minor fire damage to the door and a small bush in the garden after an object, thought to be a lit bottle, was thrown at the building at about 2.10am on Sunday.
Officers are treating the incident as a hate crime.
The man is described as white, in his early thirties, with very short hair.
He was wearing a short-sleeved black top with a white emblem on the front and dark trousers.
Before the incident, it is believed the man spoke to a group of women in George Square, near the junction with the Meadows, and these witnesses are being urged to come forward.
Police say a number of cars and vehicles are known to have driven past the mosque during the incident and anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious should call them.
Chief Inspector Mark Rennie, local area commander for south-east Edinburgh, said: "This was a despicable and reckless act which we are treating as a hate crime.
"We have launched a thorough investigation to identify anyone involved and anyone who believes they have information that can assist with our inquiries is urged to get in touch."
Foysol Choudhury, chairman of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council, said: "ELREC, as an equality organisation that has been striving to fight any forms of discrimination since 1971, strongly condemns this crime as an attack against our freedom of religion and expression.
"Edinburgh cannot tolerate any action that aims to spread hate and division within its society.
"ELREC would like to uphold Police Scotland's request for everyone who has any information to contact them.
"ELREC also wishes to offer support to anyone who feels more insecure after this attack."
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or alternatively through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.