People living in and around Hailesland Gardens in the Wester Hailes area of the city told Edinburgh Live about the incident which saw armed police swoop on their streets at around 3.40pm on Thursday, July 24.
The scene.
Edinburgh locals have spoken out after an alleged shooting took place in their housing scheme, saying that they weren’t ‘shocked’ when they heard that a man was gunned down on their doorsteps.
People living in and around Hailesland Gardens in the Wester Hailes area of the city recalled the incident which saw armed police swoop on their streets at around 3.40pm on Thursday, July 24.
While they unsurprised at the trouble on their scheme, they have been left scared and upset- especially since the incident took place while children were playing outside.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told Edinburgh Live: “I just completely think it’s not right that there was children about. Doing that in front of children, let alone in public, doing that in general, I just think it’s not right. violence isn’t the way.
“I’ve got a nephew that stays just over the road, he’s only just coming up for three and it petrifies me that he runs around there when he’s going to the shop with his mum or with me.
“Any child could get hurt, a girl I know over there, her child had to get grabbed away from the situation because her dad ended up having to actually chase the guy. It actually scares me, my mum actually asked me if I wanted to go stay with her.”
It is understood the shooting took place on a park near Hailesland Gardens with residents believing the incident is linked to drug dealers in the area.
Residents recalled how the local kids were out trying to clear up the space, helping out with litter picking when a gun was pulled. They said that the children were “screaming” and worry that they will be left ” traumatised ” by the incident.
Another resident said: ” Yeah, it’s the people that stay here, but then the police know about it. They’re drug dealers. It’s constant.”
They said that they had been waiting for crime and antisocial behaviour to escalate and they weren’t shocked that something like this had happened.
Another local, who has lived in the area for their whole life shared how the community knows that this could be considered a ” rough area” but that this incident was on another level.
They continued: “This place is a s*******e, it’s literally went down the s*****r. See for the community, we know this is a rough area but this has just ruined it’s reputation because it was nice and calm before.”
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A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “Enquiries are ongoing following a report of a report of a firearm being discharged in Edinburgh.
“Officers were called to attend the Hailesland Gardens area around 3.40pm on Thursday, 24 July, 2025.
“A 23-year-old man attended hospital for treatment to injuries sustained to his arm from the incident. No one else was injured. Officers, including specialist firearms officers, attended and a search of the area was carried out.
“A 36-year-old man who was arrested has been released pending further enquiry. A continued police presence will remain in the area.”