Edinburgh area locked down after reports of man with weapons and stabbings

Police have warned the public to avoid part of Edinburgh following “reports of a man with a bladed weapon”.

Locals says a number of people may have been stabbed, with an emergency response in place since before 9am.

Armed police are at the incident in Calder in the west of the city.

A statement from Police Scotland 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.”

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 unconfirmed.

“Armed police, dogs been here for about two hours.”

Pictures from the scene of the incident showed at least six police vehicles outside Cobbinshaw House, a tower block of flats, as well as armed police officers.

Footage has been circulating on social media showing a man walking in the area holding two large knives, as well as a shop which had been damaged.

The man wore a cream-coloured top with a black backpack.

A man of a similar description was later seen at Cobbinshaw House, looking out of a window.

Lothian Buses said its number 2 service was being diverted away from Calder until further notice.