THERE WAS a false alarm in Edinburgh city centre on Tuesday night, after reports of a “suspected firearm” turned out to be nothing more than a BB gun.
A large police contingent, involving armed officers and several police cars, was mobilised to Princes Street in response to the reports at around 6:30pm on Tuesday.
Officers were, however, stood down after the BB Gun was recovered, and the “firearm” was discovered to be a fake.
A 25-year-old woman was arrested, and police say enquiries are ongoing.
Police added that there was “no risk” to the public.
One eyewitness said “more than seven” police cars were spotted on the scene and that officers were seen searching people on the corner of Frederick Street and Princes Street.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a person possibly in possession of a firearm device on Princes Street in Edinburgh shortly after 6.30pm on Tuesday, 23 June, 2026.
“Officers attended and a 25-year-old woman has been arrested.
“A BB gun was recovered.
“There was no risk to the wider public and enquiries are ongoing.”
