Members of the public have been told to stay indoors after armed police swarmed an Edinburgh estate in response to reports of a man carrying bladed weapons near a school.
Firearms officers were among the emergency crews deployed on Monday to the Calder area of the Scottish capital, where two people were injured following a suspected knife attack.
The emergency response was initiated after 9am, which was paired with police instructing Britons to “avoid the Calder area of Edinburgh”.
Parents of the nearby Wester Hailes High School were sent a text message.
It read: “The school is in lockdown following an incident in the community this morning. The children are safe.”
Unconfirmed reports suggest the attacker may have stabbed victims in the residential area next to the high school.
Police Scotland said the incident is now “contained” and is not terror-related.
However, officers remain outside Cobbinshaw House, which is cordoned off.
Scots were told to ‘stay indoors’ after a knifeman prowled Edinburgh
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Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said: “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.
“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 inquiries are ongoing.
Parents of the nearby Wester Hailes High School were sent a dramatic text message
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“Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.”
He continued: “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.”
An Edinburgh City Council spokesman said: “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.
“We’re hoping to be able to reopen these shortly and are continuing to keep parents and local residents updated.
“Please contact the police on 101 if you have any information or concerns.”
