A gathering will be held in support of the Muslim community after a hate crime at Edinburgh Central Mosque.

A police investigation was launched at the weekend after a flaming object was thrown at the building Potterrow in the early hours of Sunday.

The item hit the mosque, damaging the front door and a bush in its garden.

Officers have issued a description of the suspect and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Edinburgh United Against Fascism has organised a "vigil" at the Central Mosque on Tuesday from 6pm to 7.15pm.

It will feature speeches from local politicians and a minute's silence for the Muslim community and the Muslim mother who lost her twins in an attack in Milton Keynes last week.

Morningside/Bruntsfield councillor Melanie Main said "I know that Edinburgh residents will be appalled to hear about the arson attack on the Central Mosque and want to show solidarity with minority communities across the city.

"These are our friends and neighbours, much loved and respected, who should be able to feel confident and safe everywhere in Edinburgh, at home, in the street and at their chosen place of worship.

"I hope very much that Edinburgh people will come along to demonstrate their support on Tuesday."

The suspect linked to Sunday's incident is described as a white male and is believed to be in his early 30s.

He has very short hair and was wearing dark trousers and a short-sleeved black top with a white emblem on the front at the time of the incident.

Detectives believe that before the attack, the man spoke to a group of women in George Square.

Witnesses are urged to call 101 with information.