A man was arrested in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, after stabbing two people near the Sighthill Primary School in the Calders area of the city.
Police Scotland has not revealed the identity of the suspect and stated that they do not consider the case terror-related. However, the alleged perp is repeatedly described as a migrant by accounts reporting on the event on the social media site X, including independent journalist Andy Ngo. Images and videos have also been shared of the man in question, and he has a distinct Middle Eastern appearance, although whether he was born in or outside of the United Kingdom has not been confirmed. Alex Armstrong of GB News had additional information and referred to him as a ‘32-year-old man’.
What drew special attention to the story on X is that in one of the photos, taken after he barricaded himself in one of the nearby buildings, the suspect can be seen smiling through the window.
Previously, he was also captured with two large-bladed knives in both of his hands, wandering in the middle of the street.
The BBC reports that police were called on scene after ‘a knife incident’ at 8.25am. After the suspect set up his barricade, a stand-off ensued for about eight hours before police were able to breach the building and remove the man. In the meantime, a crowd gathered to view the tragic spectacle. The two victims who were stabbed survived the attack and are being treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
In addition, The Sun reports, based on one eyewitness testimony, that the knifeman tried to get into a nearby nursery before his attack, but thankfully was chased away by bystanders. Another witness claims she saw the man near the nursery, primary school, and the playground as well, suggesting that he was originally looking for child victims. The ages of his actual victims have not revealed in the press. However, they are referred to as a man and a woman, which suggests they are adults.
The City of Edinburgh Council closed down all schools in the Calders area after the incident.
The leader of Edinburgh City Council Jane Meagher said that: ‘Moments like this remind us of the need to stand together—and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance…Edinburgh is a proud, welcoming and diverse city. Our biggest strength lies in those who live here—people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds—and we all have a part to play in making sure it stays that way,’ as quoted by the BBC.
This statement also suggests that the perpetrator was an immigrant and not a native British citizen.
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