Two people were injured after a man armed with a bladed weapon sparked a major police operation in Scotland's Edinburgh’s area on Monday morning, prompting armed officers to lock down parts of the neighbourhood.
Scotland Police said the disturbance has now been contained, there is no wider risk to the public, and the incident is not being treated as terror-related, local media reported.
Chief inspector Scott Kennedy said officers were called earlier in the morning to reports of a man with a knife. Confirming the situation was under control, Kennedy said the disturbance had been contained, and officers would remain in the area to reassure residents.
The incident began shortly before 9 am, when reports emerged of a man seen carrying large knives in the Calder neighbourhood. Police, including firearms units, rushed to the scene and established a perimeter around Cobbinshaw House, a high-rise residential block, diverting traffic and urging the public to avoid the area.
A Scottish police spokesperson 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.”
By mid-morning, at least six police vehicles and armed officers were stationed outside Cobbinshaw House. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show a man wearing a cream-coloured top and carrying a black backpack walking through the neighbourhood holding two large knives. He was later seen at Cobbinshaw House, looking out of a window.
Images from the scene showed damage to a nearby local shop, which witnesses said had been “smashed.” One resident, William Ramsay, told the Press Association: “He smashed the local shop, possibly stabbed two people, unconfirmed. Armed police and dogs have been here for about two hours.”
Emergency responders arrived shortly after 9 a.m., securing the area as investigations began. Lothian Buses announced that its number 2 service was being rerouted away from Calder until further notice due to the ongoing police operation.
Police have not released further details about the identities of those injured or whether any arrests have been made. Officers continue enquiries as they maintain a visible presence in the area.
