In a disturbing incident in west Edinburgh, two individuals have been urgently transported to the hospital following an alleged knife attack by a man wielding two weapons.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with footage reportedly showing the suspect clutching a knife in each hand in the Calder area. Witnesses in the neighborhood have suggested that multiple people might have been stabbed during the chaos, and a local shop was reportedly vandalized. Emergency services have been on the scene since shortly before 9 a.m.
Police provided an update earlier today, confirming that two victims have sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Currently, the suspect is believed to be barricaded inside a flat within a tower block, leading to a tense standoff with armed police officers.
Community members have also indicated that the suspect made attempts to enter a school and a nursery but was deterred and driven away from the scene.
Locals claimed the man had tried to get into a school and a nursery before being chased away.
Abigail Clegg said: ‘He (then) went into the shop. He ransacked the shop, the shop’s a mess.
‘He chased the people that work in the shop with a knife.’
Footage shared on social media appears to show a man holding two weapons, one in each hand
The suspect is now believed to be holed up in a tower block flat in a stand-off with armed police
Armed police have swarmed a neighbourhood in Edinburgh after a man was seen brandishing two large knives
Police at the scene in Calder, Edinburgh, after police warned the public to avoid the area
William Ramsay, who lives in the area, said he believed the man with the weapons had entered the stairwell of his building.
He said: ‘He smashed the local shop, possibly stabbed two people unconfirmed.
‘Armed police, dogs been here for about two hours.’
Pictures from the scene show at least six police vehicles outside Cobbinshaw House, a tower block of flats, as well as armed police officers.
Locals said in posts on social media that schools had been locked down due to the incident.
A text sent to parents at Wester Hailes High School read: ‘The school is in lockdown following an incident in the community this morning.
‘The children are safe. We will update you in 30 minutes. Thank you.’
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy from Police Scotland said: ‘The earlier disturbance in the Calder area of Edinburgh is now contained and there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public.
‘The incident is not being treated as terror related.
‘Officers were called to reports of a man with a bladed weapon on Calder Gardens around 8.25am.
The suspect is seen at the window of a tower block in Calder
Police have warned the public to avoid part of Edinburgh after a man was seen brandishing two knives
Locals says a number of people may have been stabbed, with an emergency response in place since before 9am
‘Specialist resources, including firearms officers, are in attendance at a property nearby and enquiries are ongoing.
‘Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
‘I understand this is an alarming incident for the local community. I want to reassure the public, officers will remain in the area as our enquiries continue.
‘Anyone with information or concerns can approach these officers or call us on 101.’
A statement from Police Scotland previously said: ‘The public is being advised to avoid the Calder area of Edinburgh following reports of a man with a bladed weapon.
‘Police, including firearms officers, are in attendance.’
Lothian Buses said its number 20 service was being diverted away from Calder until further notice.
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
