A serious knife-related incident unfolded in the Calder area of Edinburgh on Monday morning, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a major emergency response from Police Scotland and other services. Armed officers remain on the scene as the city reels from the shocking disturbance.
Incident and Immediate Response
Police were called to Calder Gardens at around 8.25am following reports that a man armed with one or more bladed weapons was moving through the neighbourhood. Residents and witnesses described seeing a suspect carrying large knives, prompting urgent calls to emergency services.
Armed officers, including specialist firearms personnel, were deployed swiftly, sealing off the area and establishing a large police cordon to protect the public as they dealt with the incident. The nearby Wester Hailes Education Centre and other local facilities were temporarily closed as a precaution.
Police Scotland said the disturbance has been contained and that there is “not believed to be any wider risk to the public.” The force also confirmed the incident was not being treated as terror-related at this stage.
Injuries and Hospitalisation
At least two people have been taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with injuries believed to have been inflicted during the incident. Local reports suggest another individual may also have been hurt, although official casualty figures are still being established as investigations continue.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulances and specialised response teams, were dispatched quickly after the first calls came through, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities treated the situation.
Scene of Chaos and Police Containment
Eyewitness accounts and footage on social media depict a tense and unsettling morning for locals. At least six police vehicles, together with armed officers and police dogs, were visible around Cobbinshaw House tower block as part of the containment operation.
Some residents described alarm as the suspect, allegedly acting alone, was seen walking through residential streets with knives before police intervention. Lothian Buses temporarily diverted route number 20 away from the area during the response.
Schoolchildren and parents in the vicinity were affected by the heightened security response, with local council buildings and early years centres also closed on police advice until further notice.
Community Reaction
Locals have expressed shock at the violence in what is usually a busy residential area. One resident told local media that the scene was “scary” and that emergency services acted quickly to prevent further harm.
Another witness described the chaos during the early stages of the incident, noting that shops were closed and people were urged to stay indoors.
Investigation Underway
Police Scotland said enquiries into the circumstances of the attack remain ongoing. Officers are appealing for anyone with information — including CCTV footage or mobile video of the incident — to come forward to assist with their investigation.
While there is no indication at this time that the incident is terror-related, authorities stress that such violent episodes understandably alarm local communities and are taking the investigation seriously.
Public Safety Guidance
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy emphasised that although the situation is contained, residents should remain vigilant and heed police advice. Anyone in the Calder area who witnessed the event or has relevant information should contact Police Scotland or call 101 with details.
