Probe under way as blade victim found in city street

Police officers and paramedics rushed to the scene of the incident outside the Northview Court tower block after receiving an emergency call shortly before 11.30am yesterday.

The man, who is in his 20s, was later taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and treated for his wounds, which are understood to have been caused by a blade, although police said inquiries were still being carried out to confirm this.

Detectives added that the man’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A property in Northview Court was also raided by officers with riot shields yesterday afternoon but it is understood that no arrests were made.

Frightened residents have told of their fear of knife crime in the area, which they said was becoming more common and had involved weapons such as meat cleavers and samurai swords.

Resident Shirley Preston, 42, a mother-of-four, said: “I just heard that somebody had got stabbed in the head – that’s what they’re all saying. And then the police went and put the door in.

“All sorts of things happen in Pilton and Muirhouse now but the police never pick up the right people. A lot of the time it can be over drugs or drink.

“There’s a lot more knives getting used now – meat cleavers, samurai swords, anything. I think it’s shocking. My bairn is at [Craigroyston] primary there and I’ve got another wee one at the nursery and for them  to come out and see that is frightening.”

Scott Meikle, 50, a delivery driver who lives in Northview Court, said: “The stabbing situation is getting worse and worse round here.

“This is about the third time this year that there’s been a stabbing. It seems there’s something happening every weekend, but the police are never watching over this building.”

Amanda Redpath, 38, also a resident at Northview Court, said: “My son was just  saying that someone had been murdered and then I opened a window and there was police everywhere.

“Then I saw a boy with a towel over his face and it looked like he had been stabbed up a bit. It was probably just some party that went wrong.”

A police spokesman said: “Lothian and Borders Police responded to West Pilton Bank at around 11.25am on Monday, September 3, after a male in his 20s was found with a number of significant cuts to his neck and arms.

“The man is currently being treated at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“Inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident and anyone who can assist police with their investigation is asked to come forward immediately.”