Police block road as protesters gather after Edinburgh double murder bid

Police have closed a road in Edinburgh after anti-migrant protesters gathered in the wake of a double murder bid.

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. Demonstrators have congregated on Wester Hailes Road close to where the alleged attacker was arrested by armed police.

A large police response has blocked the road to “ensure the safety of those in attendance and mitigate disruption”.

The protesters, who said they were demonstrating against illegal immigration, decried Police Scotland and both the Scottish and UK Governments outside Cobbinshaw House in the Calder area of Edinburgh on Friday.

The anti-immigration protesters shouted “stop the boats” and other slogans before marching through the streets to St Nicholas Parish Church, a few streets away, where a small group of counter-protesters held a demonstration.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.

Man appears in court over murder bids

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.