An Edinburgh store owner shared that his staff were left feeling frightened and shocked following an alleged incident involving a man reportedly carrying knives. Asif Hussain was alerted via his CCTV app that someone had entered his Calder Park Premier store around 8:24 am on Monday, March 2. Speaking to Edinburgh Live, he mentioned that his team called him just as he was about to review the footage, informing him that a man seemed to be causing a disturbance inside the store, prompting the staff to lock themselves in the rear area for safety.

Subsequently, a man was reported to have sustained stabbing injuries, with a woman also getting hurt in the vicinity, both of whom were hospitalized with serious injuries. This led to a tense standoff between the police and the suspect, lasting for five hours, as the individual allegedly barricaded himself inside Cobbinshaw House South. Local schools were put on lockdown, and residents in the building were advised to stay indoors due to reports of a bladed weapon being present.

Despite concerned onlookers urging the man to surrender, the police eventually entered the flat and apprehended the suspect, who was then escorted out through the rear entrance. Asif explained that some customers also sought refuge in the back of the store and prevented the suspect from entering. He recounted a customer being chased by the man but managing to escape outside.

Following the incident, Asif monitored the CCTV footage as the man left the premises and encountered a neighboring cafe owner, allegedly carrying multiple bladed weapons. Arriving at the shop around 8:45 am, Asif found the surrounding area swarming with police, including armed officers who cordoned off the block after the suspect fled inside.

Asif expressed his shock at the incident, emphasizing the importance of the safety of his staff and customers over the damage caused to the store. The local community came together to help clean up the aftermath, with Asif estimating the repair costs to exceed £2,500. Reflecting on the incident, he highlighted the vulnerability of retailers and the need for enhanced security measures.

Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy thanked the public for their cooperation and reassured them that there was no ongoing wider risk. He encouraged anyone with concerns to reach out to the officers on-site or contact the police through the designated channels for assistance.