Delivery riders in Edinburgh are under threat from “robbery, verbal abuse, and assault” amid what they describe as persistent “misinformation” and a sharp increase in incidents.
They say two riders were targeted during terrorism-linked “anti-Muslim” attacks across the city last Friday.
CCTV footage from Leith Walk showed a topless man driving erratically before abandoning his car and lunging at a delivery driver on an e-bike while brandishing two large knives and smoking a cigarette, with one of the two riders allegedly attacked taken to hospital.
The Riders Observatory and Organising Movement (ROOM) suggested that “a recent rise in misinformation online and in the press, blaming riders for incidents” has led to increased threats against delivery drivers.
A riders association has highlighted the threats facing delivery riders in Edinburgh © 2026 Martin McAdam
In a statement, ROOM said: “We are appalled and concerned by the horrible attacks that took place last week, which have left several people injured, including two delivery riders, with at least one of them taken to the hospital.
“Delivery riders have lived under threat when working for a long while, reporting all kinds of incidents especially during the last two years, including robbery, verbal abuse and assault.
“We have noticed a recent rise in misinformation online and in the press, blaming riders for incidents in which they were not involved.
“Riders work in risky and high-pressure conditions across the city, providing a vital daily service for hundreds of people, and giving genuinely essential support, often vulnerable residents. Like all road users, we are entitled to safety and respect.
“We believe all riders should perform their duties respectfully of traffic rules, prioritising road safety as the vast majority of riders do.
“The streets are for all of us, and we want to see them free of hate. Let’s respect the rules and respect one another, as we use them together.”
The man accused of the Edinburgh knife attacks was named as 36-year-old Lewis Hawkes after appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this week.
First Minister John Swinney condemned the attacks in the immediate aftermath. After a visit to Edinburgh mosques on Monday, he said:
“I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks in Edinburgh, and my thoughts are firmly with all those who have been affected.
“Let me be absolutely clear, no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.”
This article is provided by the news agency Deadline News Limited and published here with permission.
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