An Edinburgh store owner recently described a harrowing incident where his staff members were left feeling fearful and stunned following an alleged confrontation with a man reportedly armed with knives.
Asif Hussain was notified via his CCTV app of an individual entering his Calder Park Premier store around 8:24 am on Monday, March 2. Hussain shared with Edinburgh Live that his team contacted him while he was about to review the footage, informing him that a man was causing a disturbance inside the store, leading staff to seek safety by locking themselves in the rear area.
The situation escalated dramatically when the police reported that a man had sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing, and a woman was also injured in the vicinity. Both individuals were rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.
Following this, a tense standoff unfolded between law enforcement and the suspect, lasting for an intense five-hour period, with the individual reportedly barricaded inside Cobbinshaw House South. Reports of a bladed weapon led to local schools going into lockdown, and residents in the apartment building were advised to stay indoors.
Despite concerned onlookers urging the man to surrender, the police eventually managed to enter the flat and apprehend the suspect, who was then escorted out through the rear exit. Asif detailed the chaos inside the store, where the suspect caused significant damage to property, including smashing items behind the counter.
Fortunately, a customer managed to escape after being chased by the suspect and sustained injuries. Asif later monitored the CCTV footage showing the suspect leaving the store and encountering a neighboring cafe owner while allegedly carrying multiple bladed weapons.
Upon arriving at the scene around 8:45 am, Asif found the area swarming with police, including armed officers who cordoned off the block as the suspected knifeman reportedly sought refuge in a top-floor flat.
Asif expressed gratitude that there were no major injuries to his staff or customers despite the distressing incident. He also mentioned the overwhelming support from the local community in cleaning up the aftermath of the destruction caused during the chaotic event.
Reflecting on the incident, Asif acknowledged the vulnerability of retailers like himself and stressed the need for enhanced security measures. Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy thanked the public for their cooperation and reassured the community that there was no ongoing wider threat but encouraged anyone with concerns to reach out to the authorities.
