Terrified eyewitnesses have recounted the harrowing moment when parents frantically locked their children inside cars as a knifeman, described as "blood-soaked," launched a violent attack on two individuals within a housing estate in Edinburgh. The incident unfolded in the Calder area of west Edinburgh at approximately 8.25am this morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Chaotic Scene Captured on Social Media
Footage circulating on social media platforms appears to depict the suspect brandishing a blade in each hand, creating a scene of utter chaos. One local worker provided a chilling account, stating he observed the man standing outside the rear of nearby shops with his hands visibly "covered in blood." In a desperate bid to intervene, the worker threw a spirit level to his manager, who then pursued the assailant before police arrival.
Violent Spree Targets Local Community
The suspect is alleged to have ransacked a local mini-supermarket during the rampage, leaving smashed bottles and boxes strewn across the floor. Additionally, he stabbed a council employee who was working as a concierge in a high-rise block of flats. Another victim is believed to be a woman in her 60s, although police have not yet confirmed this detail. The suspect, described as a black man appearing to be in his late 30s, is now barricaded inside an 11th-floor flat in a tower block, engaged in a tense standoff with armed police officers.
Eyewitness Descriptions of the Attack
"I could see his hands covered in blood. And the knives were drenched in it," the worker told Edinburgh Live. "So I grabbed the spirit level and threw it to my manager. And he's chased him onto the grass but I've told him to get back as he could slip." He added, "Parents were running their kids into cars and the police just sat there. Folk were dropping off at the school. The guy was covered in blood."
Police Response and Community Lockdown
Armed police have swarmed the neighbourhood, with at least six police vehicles stationed outside Cobbinshaw House, the tower block where the suspect is holed up. Images from the scene show the suspect grinning at a window while looking down at officers below. In response to the incident, local schools, including Wester Hailes High School, were placed on lockdown. A text message sent to parents 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."
Official Statements from Authorities
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy from Police Scotland addressed the public, stating, "The earlier disturbance in the Calder area of Edinburgh is now contained and there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public. The incident is not being treated as terror related." He confirmed that officers were called to reports of a man with a bladed weapon on Calder Gardens around 8.25am, with specialist resources, including firearms officers, in attendance.
Two injured individuals were transported to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment. The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulances, three paramedic response units, and a special operations response team to the scene. A council spokesperson noted, "We're aware of an ongoing incident in the Calder area of the city and are continuing to support Police Scotland. Following police advice, all council buildings nearby, including schools and early years centres, were closed to the public."
Local Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Locals reported that the knifeman attempted to gain entry into a school and a nursery before being chased away, heightening fears among residents. William Ramsay, a resident in the area, commented, "He smashed the local shop, possibly stabbed two people unconfirmed. Armed police, dogs been here for about two hours." Police have advised the public to avoid the Calder area as enquiries continue, with officers remaining on site to address any concerns or information from the community.
