Two people have been rushed to hospital after a man was seen roaming a neighbourhood with two large knives.
Footage shared on social media appears to show the suspect with a weapon in each hand in Calder, west Edinburgh.
Neighbours said a number of people may have been stabbed and a local shop ransacked, with an emergency response in place since before 9am.
In an update this morning, police said two people had been injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
The suspect is now believed to be holed up in a tower block flat in a stand-off with armed police.
William Ramsay, who lives in the area, said he believed the man with the weapons had entered the stairwell of his building.
He said: ‘He smashed the local shop, possibly stabbed two people unconfirmed.
‘Armed police, dogs been here for about two hours.’
Footage shared on social media appears to show a man holding two weapons, one in each hand
The suspect is now believed to be holed up in a tower block flat in a stand-off with armed police
Armed police have swarmed a neighbourhood in Edinburgh after a man was seen brandishing two large knives
Earlier, he had been seen roaming around the back of a local cafe between 8am and 8.30am.
Pictures from the scene show at least six police vehicles outside Cobbinshaw House, a tower block of flats, as well as armed police officers.
Locals said in posts on social media that schools had been locked down due to the incident.
A text sent to parents at Wester Hailes High School 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. Thank you.’
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy from Police Scotland 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.
Police have warned the public to avoid part of Edinburgh after a man was seen brandishing two knives
Locals says a number of people may have been stabbed, with an emergency response in place since before 9am
‘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.’
A statement from Police Scotland previously said: ‘The public is being advised to avoid the Calder area of Edinburgh following reports of a man with a bladed weapon.
‘Police, including firearms officers, are in attendance.’
Lothian Buses said its number 20 service was being diverted away from Calder until further notice.
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
