Major Police Response in Edinburgh After Knife Attack Leaves Two Injured
A violent incident unfolded in Edinburgh's Calder area on Monday morning, resulting in two people being injured after a man armed with knives allegedly attacked members of the public. The attack triggered a significant armed police response and led to the lockdown of nearby schools, causing widespread disruption in the community.
Police Contain Disturbance, Assure No Wider Threat
According to reports from the BBC, police were alerted to a man wielding a bladed weapon at approximately 8:25 am. Firearms officers swiftly descended upon Calder Gardens, where the suspect is believed to have retreated to a flat within Cobbinshaw House, a multi-storey residential tower. The injured victims were transported to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for medical treatment, though their current conditions have not been disclosed by authorities.
Police Scotland has confirmed that the disturbance has been "contained" and emphasized there is no broader risk to the public. Importantly, the incident is not being treated as terror-related, with investigations focused on the individual's actions and motives.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scene and Stand-Off
Residents in the area reported scenes of chaos during the attack. Eyewitnesses stated the man was seen carrying two large knives, reportedly stained with blood, and allegedly attempted to approach members of the public. One local resident recounted to the BBC that he encountered the suspect outside a shop, with the knives hidden behind his back. "He said, 'Can I speak to you?' He had the two knives behind his back, covered in blood," the man described, adding that he confronted the suspect using a spirit level handed to him by a bystander.
Another resident, William Ramsay, informed the Press Association that the man "smashed the local shop" and may have stabbed two people, though this detail remains unconfirmed by official sources. Images from the scene depicted at least six police vehicles stationed outside Cobbinshaw House, with armed officers entering the building. Social media footage circulated showing a man walking through the area holding two large knives, adding to the tense atmosphere.
As the situation escalated, police extended their cordon around the building, with members of the public gathering nearby and reportedly shouting toward a window where the suspect was believed to be inside an upper-floor flat.
Schools and Public Transport Disrupted by Incident
The City of Edinburgh Council confirmed that all schools and council buildings in the Calder area were closed to the public on police advice. A council spokesperson stated, "We're aware of an ongoing incident in the Calder area of the city and are continuing to support Police Scotland," adding that parents and residents were being kept updated as the situation developed.
Public transport services were also affected, with Lothian Buses diverting its number 20 service until further notice. The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched multiple resources to the scene, including:
- Three ambulances
- Three paramedic response units
- A special operations response team
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy noted that specialist resources, including firearms officers, remain at the property as enquiries continue. Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101, and officers are expected to maintain a visible presence in the area to reassure the community and support ongoing investigations.
This incident has highlighted the swift response capabilities of emergency services in Edinburgh, while also underscoring the importance of public safety measures during such disturbances. As the community recovers, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this alarming attack.
