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Parts of Edinburgh sealed off in police man hunt

Police Scotland refused to comment on reports of an earlier shooting in the area at around 10pm

Scott d'Arcy
Saturday 25 October 2014 22:35 EDT

Parts of Edinburgh city centre were placed on lockdown last night as police hunt a man reported to be on a roof.

Fire crews joined officers in the search for the man in the city's Old Town but Police Scotland refused to comment on reports of an earlier shooting in the area at around 10pm.

But an Edinburgh City Police twitter account tweeted: "The incident on the Royal Mile this evening is not an armed incident, and there is no risk to the public."

According to reports, more than 50 officers in riot gear were deployed to Cockburn Street with a police helicopter circling overhead.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police and the fire service are in attendance to trace a man reported to be on a roof in Edinburgh city centre. The police helicopter has been deployed and a cordon is in places to ensure public safety."

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