Edinburgh Calder Police Incident: Here's everything we know about reports of man with 'bladed weapons' - police on the scene
Armed police remains at the scene after a school told parents that pupils were “safe”.
People were advised to avoid an Edinburgh neighbourhood earlier today after a man was seen carrying ‘bladed weapons’ near a school.
The alarm was raised on Monday morning (March 2) in the Calder area of Scotland’s Capital.
Here’s everything we know so far.
When did the incident occur?
It’s understood that the man was seen carrying the bladed weapons at around 8.25am, with police arriving on the scene prior to 9am.
Where is the incident unfolding?
The man was seen near Cobbinshow House South on Calder Gardens in the Calder area of the city. It’s about half a mile away from Wester Hailes High School.
Calder, also known as The Calders, sits to the West of the Edinburgh next to the Edinburgh City Bypass. It’s sometimes considered to be be part of the the larger neighbouring Wester Hailes or Sighthill neighbourhoods.
What has the school said?
Parents of pupils at Wester Hailes High School were sent a text about the incident earlier this morning saying: “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.”
Has anybody been hurt?
Police have confirmed that two people were hurt and are being treated in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
What have local residents said about the incident?
William Ramsay, who lives in the area, said he believed the man with the weapons had entered the stairwell of his building. He told Press Association: “He smashed the local shop, possibly stabbed two people. Armed police, dogs been here for about two hours.”
What have police said?
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The incident is not being treated as terror related.
“Officers were called to reports of a man with a bladed weapon on Calder Gardens around 8.25am.
“Specialist resources, including firearms officers, are in attendance at a property nearby and enquiries are ongoing.
“Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
“I understand this is an alarming incident for the local community. I want to reassure the public, officers will remain in the area as our enquiries continue. Anyone with information or concerns can approach these officers or call us on 101."
Keep up to date with the latest on the incident on out blog here.