Refugee says flats blaze was ‘deliberate’

● Egyptian man says he fears for the lives of his children after attack in flats block

A refugee from Egypt who is living in Scotland has said he fears for the lives of his children after a fire attack at their home.

The father-of-four claims his family was deliberately targeted during a blaze at a block of flats in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said it is one of a series of incidents against his family.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Edinburgh council’s culture and communities convener, said: “I am appalled and saddened to think this fire may have been started deliberately and such acts have absolutely no place in our communities.”

A refugee from Egypt who is living in Scotland fears for the lives of his children after a fire attack at their home.

The father-of-four claims his family were deliberately targeted during a blaze at a block of flats in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The man, who moved to Scotland last year and wished to remain anonymous, said it is one of a series of incidents against his family, including his young daughter’s buggy being set alight at their home in Wester Hailes.

He said: “I heard about Scottish people, they’re friendly and welcoming to people from different countries and different cultures. I never thought this was going to happen with us in Scotland.

“My wife, she used to wear a niqab [Islamic face veil], but she took it off because she is scared. We can’t feel safe nowhere, it’s just a disappointment really.

“Every day things are getting worse than ever, honestly, we don’t feel safe at all, my kids can’t sleep.”

Councillor Donald Wilson, culture and communities convener, said: “I am appalled and saddened to think this fire may have been started deliberately and such acts have absolutely no place in our communities.

“Edinburgh is a diverse, culturally rich city and one of the safest places to live. Our refugee support network will be reaching out to the victims concerned.”

Culture and communites vice-convenor Ian Campbell said: “Racism, bigotry or any form of hate crime is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Edinburgh.

“If anyone has any information about this incident in the early hours of Saturday morning, I urge you to contact Police Scotland immediately to help them with their investigation. We can only be thankful that no-one was hurt, in this instance.”

The local community were also quick to hit out at the “horrific” incident in a bid to show refugees and visitors that the city is a welcoming place to live.

Jainus Areebas said: “I hope this does not put off the refugees that are yet to come. Edinburgh is a welcoming place for them.”

James Kelso added on Facebook: “The lowlife underbelly of Scotland. Looking for someone to blame for their miserable lives. They likely find their courage in the bottom of a bottle.”

Scottish Labour’s inequalities spokeswoman Monica Lennon MSP called the attack “cowardly”.

She said: “Refugees fleeing for their lives deserve safety and sanctuary when they come to Scotland. Thi s cowardly attack will horrify decent people across the country. Community leaders must ensure that resources and plans are in place to support integration and to overcome the fear and hate that seeks to divide us.”

Detective Inspector Bruce Coutts of Corstorphine CID said: “We are treating this as a deliberate fire-raising incident and we are carrying out inquiries in the local area.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police.”