Armed police spotted surrounding property in Musselburgh

Residents reported seeing several police vehicles in the area.

Armed police were sent to two properties in Musselburgh and Dalkeith on Friday evening in connection with threats involving firearms.

Residents in Musselburgh reported a “heavy police presence” in Somerset Fields with “up to six or seven police vehicles blocking the street.”

Police said last night that a 33-year-old man has been arrested and was taken into police custody, with inquiries continuing.

Armed officers pictured walking through Somerset Fields, Musselburgh at about 6pm.

Firearms officers were deployed due to reports of a firearm being involved.

‘Six or seven police vehicles’

Armed officers were pictured walking through the quiet residential spot at about 6pm pn Friday.

One concerned resident said: “There was a heavy police presence.

“There must have been up to six or seven police vehicles in Somerset Fields.

“And I would have said about 15 officers in the area, a couple who had guns on them.”

Another passerby out for his daily walk said: “I wasn’t able to get back to my house because there were police cars blocking the street.

“I was advised to take another route home.

“I saw two police were armed and heard shouting.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “As part of an ongoing investigation, a pre-planned operation involving firearms officers was carried out Friday, 17 April, in connection with reports of threats.

“Officers were in attendance at two addresses, one in Somerset Fields, Musselburgh and‎ one in Newton Village, Dalkeith.

“A 33-year-old man has been arrested and is in police custody. Enquiries continue.

“There is no ongoing threat to the wider community.”