Riot police called to Royal Mile

UPDATE: Police have the situation under control on Cockburn Street.

Passersby kept in the police cordon have now been let out – including those who live on the street.

A police spokesperson said: “This is not a firearm incident.

“Police and fire service are currently 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 place to ensure public safety.”

Riot police apparently have just left a cafe on Cockburn Street – early reports suggest the cafe was Chang Thai.

Latest: the Police have apprehended the suspect.

Around 50 police officers were deployed in riot gear on Cockburn Street at 10pm.

Police helicopters scouted the area for over an hour.

Two riot vans, sniffer dogs, fire engines and ten police cars were also deployed in the area.

https://twitter.com/Ryan_Alba/status/526126610463088641

Locals tweeted a reported shooting on the Royal Mile. The area has been cordoned off.

Police at the time told onlookers there was an “ongoing dangerous incident”.

The situation is now under control and the police have confirmed there were no guns involved.

Cockburn street has been cordoned off and police are searching an empty building.

One witness said: “The helicopter has been circling for more than an hour shining its search light down over the tops of buildings.

“The police have been warning us all to stay back.”

More to follow.