Edinburgh Sikh temple damaged in 'petrol bomb' attack

Police investigating a "petrol bomb" attack on a Sikh temple in Edinburgh say it is not known if it was a random or targeted incident.

The doors to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Sheriff Brae were set alight around 5am on Tuesday. Firefighters extinguished the fire at the front door. No one was injured but there is said to be significant smoke damage inside the building.

Detectives believe whoever was responsible deliberately targeted the temple. Fire caused extensive smoke damage and police have appealed for witnesses.

A committee member at the temple said a holy Sikh scripture inside the building was not damaged as it was upstairs.

Scotland's Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said he was "saddened" by the attack while other faith groups have offered support to the Sikh community.

A post on the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Edinburgh Facebook page said: "Someone tried to burn down the front door. There's alot of internal smoke damage, and access to Gurdwara sahib has been denied by police, until smoke clears and is safe to enter.

"Sri guru Granth Sahib jee's saroops are untouched, but Devan hall has major smoke damage."

Police Scotland said it is not known if it was "a random and reckless act, or a targeted attack" on the temple.

Detective Inspector Clark Martin said: "Fortunately, the fire was extinguished relatively quickly and no on 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."

"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."