Around 50 police officers carrying riot shields and wearing balaclavas were deployed on Cockburn Street, in the city’s historic Old Town, at around 10pm on Saturday evening.
Crowds gathered as police helicopters circled the area for more than an hour.
Sniffer dogs, fire engines and police vehicles were on the scene as the drama unfolded, with officers cordoning off Cockburn Street with police tape.
Police searched floor by floor the old Scotsman building at 30 Cockburn Street.
Police moved onlookers back last night saying there was an “ongoing dangerous incident”
Around 50 police officers carrying riot shields and wearing balaclavas were deployed on Cockburn Street, in the city’s historic Old Town, at around 10pm on Saturday evening.
Crowds gathered as police helicopters circled the area for more than an hour.
Sniffer dogs, fire engines and police vehicles were on the scene as the drama unfolded, with officers cordoning off Cockburn Street with police tape.
Police searched floor by floor the old Scotsman building at 30 Cockburn Street after a man was reported to be on a roof.
The Edinburgh City Police twitter account revealed: “Police presence around the Royal Mile after a man was reported to be on a roof. A cordon is in place to ensure safety.”
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.”
Some onlookers took to Twitter to describe the scene. Rudra Kapila wrote: “Area is mini war zone”.
Abbie Jessie added: “All the streets have been blocked of by police and helicopters.”
Police Scotland refused to comment on speculation there had been a shooting, but did confirm there was an “ongoing incident”.
