Man charged with murder bids after Edinburgh stabbing and armed police stand-off

A man has appeared in court following a knife incident in Edinburgh, which resulted in an armed police stand-off.

Firearms officers locked down the Calders area of the city on Monday after receiving reports of a man brandishing a “bladed weapon”.

Two people were injured – a man was stabbed and suffered “non-life-threatening injuries” and a woman had a laceration to her head that is “not believed to be caused by a bladed weapon”.

They have since been discharged.

Emergency services were called to Calder Gardens at around 8.30am on Monday. Armed police sealed off the area and local nurseries and school were locked down.

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

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

Around seven hours later, armed officers entered the block of flats and later emerged with a man in custody.

Mustafa Kokoneh, whose address was given as Edinburgh, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old was charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault to danger of life, breach of the peace, carrying a bladed weapon, possessing an offensive weapon and vandalism.

He did not face any terrorism charges or charges related to hostage taking.

Kokoneh made no plea and is due in court within the next eight days.