The incident began around 10.45pm in West Pilton Gardens on Sunday, December 21.
Police swarm Edinburgh neighbourhood in massive incident
A massive police operation took place in Edinburgh last night, seeing officers swarm the quiet neighbourhood.
A 37-year-old man was arrested and charged following reports of a disturbance in the flat.
The incident began around 10.20pm in West Pilton Gardens on Sunday, December 21.
Photos from the scene appear to show up to seven police vehicles on the scene while armed officers patrol the area.
A video seems to show officers in the street while appearing to hold firearms while police vehicles completely obstruct the road.
An eye witness described the event as a “a serious, prolonged firearms response, far beyond a routine police call, involving public order officers, armed police, negotiators, and senior command staff”.
The event allegedly continued into the early hours of the morning while armed officers arrived and surrounded the building, positioning themselves in the stairwell, the front of the property, and the rear garden area.
An eye witness told Edinburgh Live: “It was a bit scary but I knew it would all turn out fine. This did happen in my building, and generally this just never happened in this area ever.
“It was extremely unusual and a steep escalation from the usual petty crime that happens in the area. It was very worrying.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.20pm on Sunday, 21 December, 2025 officers attended a report of a disturbance within a residential address in West Pilton Gardens, Edinburgh.
“A 37-year-old man was arrested and charged and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 23 December, 2025.
“A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”
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