Police in Edinburgh urge the public to steer clear of the Calder area following reports of a man wielding two bladed weapons. Emergency services respond to the incident in the city’s west side since before 9 a.m. on Monday, with armed officers on site.
Official Police Statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirms: “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.”
Scene Description
Footage circulating online captures a man holding two large blades on the street as police arrive. Images from the location reveal at least six police vehicles parked outside Cobbinshaw House, a residential tower block, alongside armed officers.
The armed individual appears around the back of a local cafe, Brunch, between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Witness Reports
Local resident William Ramsay describes the chaos: “He smashed the local shop, possibly stabbed two people—unconfirmed. Armed police and dogs have been here for about two hours.” Ramsay believes the man entered the stairwell of his building.
A worker at the cafe recounts: “He was outside the back of our building. We went outside and the guy was running around with two knives at the grass patch out the back. He was walking towards us and then he started going towards the high flats. I’ve never seen him before. It was scary. The two blades were red. He’s clearly caught somebody bad with them. We shut the cafe earlier but we’re open now. The police have got it under control now but at the time it was lawless. It’s not been a normal Monday around here.”
Community Impact
Parents of students at Wester Hailes High School receive a text alert: “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.”
Lothian Buses divert the number 20 service away from Calder until further notice.
The situation remains active, with ongoing police presence.
