Schools in a part of Edinburgh were placed on lockdown this morning after armed police were called to reports of a man carrying two large knives in the Calder area of the city, with locals reporting that a number of people may have been stabbed.
Officers, including specialist firearms units and dog handlers, were deployed to the scene before 9am. Video footage that circulated online showed an individual in the street holding what appeared to be two large bladed weapons as police arrived.
Wester Hailes High School was among the schools affected, with parents receiving a text message from the school confirming it had entered lockdown. The message 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.”
Residents in the area took to social media to share updates, with one writing: “School on lockdown as well. Hope everyone is okay.” Another said: “The police are dealing with it now. Armed response was here an hour ago.”
William Ramsay, a local resident, told the Press Association he believed the man had entered the stairwell of his building. He said the individual had “smashed the local shop” and had “possibly stabbed two people unconfirmed”, adding that armed police and dog units had been present for approximately two hours.
It is understood that people sustained injuries during the incident, though the nature and severity of those injuries have not yet been confirmed. Police Scotland has not released details on the number of those hurt.
In a formal statement, a Police Scotland 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.”
Residents in the surrounding streets have been urged to stay away from the area while the police response remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made.
