Two Hospitalised After Knife Incident in Edinburgh's Calder Area
Two individuals have been hospitalised following a serious incident in the Calder area of Edinburgh, where a man armed with knives reportedly attacked people, leading to a significant police response and the lockdown of nearby schools and nurseries.
Police Response and Containment
Police Scotland were called to reports of a man with a bladed weapon on Calder Gardens at approximately 8.25am on Monday. Armed officers and specialist resources, including firearms units, were dispatched to the scene. The incident was later declared "contained" by authorities, with Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy stating there is "not believed to be any wider risk to the public." The disturbance is not being treated as terror-related.
A police cordon was established around Cobbinshaw House, a tower block of flats where the suspect is believed to have barricaded himself. At least six police vehicles were visible at the scene, along with armed officers and police dogs. The public were initially advised to avoid the Calder area.
Eyewitness Accounts and Injuries
Local residents reported alarming details of the incident. William Ramsay, who lives nearby, stated that the armed man "smashed the local shop, possibly stabbed two people, unconfirmed." Another witness, Abigail Clegg, described how the man "tried to get into the school, the nursery" before being chased away, then entered a shop, ransacked it, and chased employees with a knife.
Mary Todd, a resident of Cobbinshaw House, recounted hearing the man shouting before she and her daughter exited the building via a back door. Footage circulating on social media showed a man wearing a cream-coloured top and black backpack walking in the area while holding two large knives, as well as images of a damaged shop.
The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed they received a call at 8.34am and dispatched three ambulances, three paramedic response units, and a special operations response team. Two patients were transported to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Community Impact and Reopening
Following police advice, the City of Edinburgh Council closed all nearby council buildings, including schools and early years centres, to the public. A council spokeswoman said they are "hoping to be able to reopen these shortly" and are keeping parents and residents updated. The lockdowns are expected to be lifted later on Monday.
Chief Inspector Kennedy acknowledged the incident was "alarming for the local community" and reassured the public that officers will remain in the area as inquiries continue. Anyone with information is encouraged to approach officers on site or contact Police Scotland on 101.
