Two males, aged 17 and 15, have been charged after two youths were spotted with machetes in Edinburgh city centre.
Two teens have been charged after being spotted with machetes in Edinburgh city centre during broad daylight.
Emergency crews raced to Rose Street in the capital at around 4pm on Friday, January 16, after passers-by were visibly shocked by two youths carrying bladed weapons.
In a picture, which was shared with the Record, a boy can be seen wearing black and grey clothing, a balaclava and Nike Air Max trainers. In his right hand, he can be seen clutching what appears to be a huge machete.
Videos posted on social media showed a male confronting another, who was donning a black hooded jacket, backpack and also holding a machete. The pair engage in a stand-off before dispersing from the scene. Those who were walking up Hanover Street could be seen watching in shock as he walked past them with the large blade.
Officers from Police Scotland have now arrested and charged two males, aged 17 and 15, after specialist firearms officers raced to the scene. No one was reported as injured.
The 17-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, January 19. The 15-year-old will be reported to the relevant youth justice authorities.
Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “We are grateful for the support shown by the public to our investigation so far.
“Further enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances. I would urge anyone who may have been in the area at the time and has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.
“You can call 101, quoting reference 1999 of 16 January, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “Two males, aged 17 and 15, have been arrested and charged after a report of people with bladed weapons seen in Edinburgh city centre. Officers, including specialist firearms officers, were called to Rose Street around 2.55pm on Friday, 16 January, 2026.
“No one was reported as injured. The 17-year-old is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 19 January. The 15-year-old will be reported to the relevant youth justice authorities.”
Rose Street is a historic, narrow, cobbled lane in Edinburgh’s New Town.
It is famous for its dense concentration of pubs and independent shops, earning it the nickname “The Amber Mile”.
