Nightmare in Edinburgh after reports a ‘severed head’ was found in Scottish capital’s party district – as forensic police swarm the city, with bars and pubs closed and streets sealed off
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Police have swarmed Edinburgh’s party district after unverified reports that a ‘severed head’ had been found in the street.
Eyewitnesses claimed the gruesome discovery was made in the Cowgate area of the city’s Old Town, the Daily Record reported.
Police have responded to reports that a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, but further details have not yet been released.
Images seen by MailOnline appear to show a body covered in a white sheet lying on the road, while a forensic tent has also been set up.
Forensic officers photographed at crime scene in Edinburgh after ‘major incident’
A photo taken by witnesses shows officers standing at the scene, which was recorded on tape
Police Scotland are responding to a serious road traffic incident in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh
Emergency services were called to Cowgate shortly after 8pm on Saturday evening, with a number of streets now closed to the public.
Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road have all been cordoned off and several officers are stationed in the area.
An eyewitness at the scene told Edinburgh Live: ‘The police just turned up and started putting up tape. Whatever it is, it looks pretty serious.
“There don’t seem to be any cars within the cordon anyway.”
A number of nightclubs and other venues in the area surrounding the incident are also closed this evening, with Halloween-themed events suspended and emergency services remaining at the scene.
Nearby Bachata Blues dance school was once one of the affected businesses and released a statement saying: ‘Following instructions from police, all venues are closed this evening due to a major incident.
Police set up a forensic tent at the scene, which has been taped off
Authorities have closed a number of streets while emergency services remain on the scene
Footage taken by onlookers and shared on social media shows Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road all closed by police
‘All means of entry into Cowgate have been cut off. Unfortunately we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following instructions from the police. We will be back soon and hope to reschedule our evening as soon as possible!’
Police Scotland Edinburgh also issued an official statement confirming their attendance at a road traffic incident in the Cowgate area.
A spokesperson said: ‘Officers in Edinburgh are currently dealing with a serious road traffic collision in the Cowgate area of the city.
“On Saturday, November 2, shortly after 7:30 p.m., we responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Investigations are underway.
“Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row are currently closed and the public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.”