Two people were injured after a man armed with knives attacked members of the public in the Calder area of Edinburgh on Monday morning, prompting a major response from armed police and the closure of nearby schools.According to the BBC, police were called to reports of a man carrying a knife at around 8.25am. Firearms officers rushed to Calder Gardens, where the suspect is believed to have later retreated to an apartment within Copenshaw House, a multi-storey residential tower.The injured were transferred to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh to receive treatment. Their condition has not been revealed.Police Scotland said the disturbance had been “contained” and stressed there was no greater risk to the public.
The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
Residents describe chaos and confrontation
Witnesses said the man was seen carrying large knives, reportedly stained with blood, and allegedly tried to approach members of the public.A local resident told the BBC that he saw the suspect outside a store with two knives hidden behind his back. “He said, ‘Can I talk to you?’ “The two knives behind his back were covered in blood,” the man said, adding that he confronted the suspect using a spirit level handed to him by a bystander.
Another resident, William Ramsay, told the Press Association that the man had “trashed the local shop” and may have stabbed two people, although this was not confirmed at the time.Pictures from the scene showed at least six police cars stationed outside Copenshaw’s home, with armed officers entering the building. Footage circulated on social media showed a man walking in the area carrying large knives.
Police later expanded their cordon as members of the public gathered near the building, with some reportedly shouting towards the window where the suspect was believed to be inside an apartment on the top floor.
Damaged schools and buses
Edinburgh City Council confirmed that all schools and council buildings in the Calder area were closed to the public on police advice.A council spokesman said: “We are aware of the ongoing incident in the Calder area of the city and continue to support Police Scotland,” adding that parents and residents are being kept updated.Public transport has also been disrupted, with Lothian Buses diverting service 20 until further notice.The Scottish Ambulance Service said it sent three ambulances, three paramedic response units and a special operations response team to the scene.Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said specialist resources, including firearms officers, remained at the property and investigations were ongoing. Police urged anyone with information to call them on 101.Officers are expected to maintain a visible presence in the area as investigations continue.
