Police officer stabbed in the back at Edinburgh College

Officer injured after being called to reports of man 'threatening to harm himself and others'

Police vehicles outside Edinburgh College's campus in Granton, where a police officer was stabbed in the back (PA)

A police officer has been stabbed in the back in Edinburgh after responding to concerns over a man “threatening to harm himself and others”.

Officers were called to Edinburgh College, in the city’s Granton district, shortly after 9am.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said a constable in his twenties “sustained a non-life-threatening injury to his back” inside a campus building.

He was taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and is expected to make a full recovery.

Chief Inspector Stevie Sutherland said: "Our thoughts are with our colleague as he continues to recover from what is thankfully a non-life-threatening wound.

"This incident continues to be treated as isolated and we're working closely with Edinburgh College to offer support to students and staff.

"There will be an increased police presence across the campus over the coming days."

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the attack. He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The stabbing happened at Edinburgh College's Granton Campus (Google Streetview)

Andrea MacDonald, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, accused forces of “not suitably equipping” officers sent to incidents involving weapons.

"I would like to commend the bravery of all of the police officers who attended this incident, undoubtedly their actions in protecting the public prevented further injuries or even fatalities,” she said.

"However - whilst all details are still to emerge - once again it appears that we have Scottish police officers not suitably equipped to deal with an incident where an individual is armed.

"Our thoughts are with the police officer who was injured and his family and colleagues at this time.”

The use of Tasers in Scotland has been more limited than England, with police guarding the Scottish Parliament armed with stun guns for the first time in the wake of the Westminster attack.

There are also more than 200 firearms officers in Scotland, who work on a shift basis 24 hours a day in preparation to be deployed across the country.

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said he would be visiting the injured officer, adding: “Police Scotland always takes the welfare of its officers very seriously.

"We continually keep officer safety under review and regular liaison takes place with staff associations around this issue.

"As always, we will investigate this incident to see if there is anything to be learned from it."

College officials declined to comment on the specifics of the attack.

A spokesperson said: “We are assisting Police Scotland with enquiries after an incident at our Granton campus this morning.

“The college remains open, with classes going ahead as usual. The safety of our students and staff is our most important consideration and Police Scotland have confirmed this is an isolated incident."

Edinburgh College is the largest in Scotland, with four campuses formed following a merger of further and high education institutions.

Its Granton campus, formerly known as Telford College, houses courses including construction, performing arts and beauty