A man is fighting for his life after allegedly being stabbed in the hands and neck in an incident which sparked an armed police raid in Edinburgh.
Officers rushed to the scene outside the Martin and Frost store on Whitehill Road on Thursday evening following a series of calls from passers-by.
A canine unit and the Police Scotland helicopter were deployed as part of the operation, while the outdoor mall was locked down for several hours while an initial probe was carried out.
It has now emerged a 31-year-old man has been hospitalised with serious injuries with local officers describing his condition as "critical but stable".
The victim was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh as a result of his injuries and has received medical treatment.
Officers are now broadening their investigation into the incident, but say enquiries are at an early stage.
The Daily Record reports the attack may be linked to another crime in the city earlier this month.
A Police Scotland spokesperson: "A 31-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries where he remains in a critical but stable condition
“Officers attended, supported by specialist resources, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
