Police investigating a fire attack at an Edinburgh mosque believe the suspect got into an argument with a group of Asian men and women minutes before the attack.
Edinburgh Central Mosque, in the Potterrow area, suffered minor fire damage to the door and the garden after an object was thrown at the building at about 2.10am on Sunday.
Police Scotland are treating the incident as a hate crime.
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A description of the suspect has already been issued - white, late 20s, 5ft 10ins with a shaved head - and officers are now trying to trace a group who got into a "verbal altercation" with a man shortly before the fire.
The group is thought to have been made up of three Asian women and a man, and they are thought to have been in a confrontation with the fire suspect near to the Meadows at about 2am.
Police believe they may be key witnesses.
Detective Inspector Grant Johnston said: "We are eager to trace the man and three women who were seen to have an verbal altercation with the suspect, as we believe they may be key witnesses who can further our inquiries.
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"We are still following a positive line of inquiry, nevertheless we are still keen to speak to members of the public who have information or were in the area at the time.
"Anyone who believes they have information that can assist our investigation is asked to get in touch.
"Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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The suspect was wearing a dark checked shirt and black t-shirt with white writing on it, police said.
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