Police have confirmed that a man has died after a ‘severed head’ was reportedly found on an Edinburgh street following a tragic smash involving a bus.
A 74-year-old was killed after being hit by a bus in the party district of the Scottish capital.
Officers rushed to the Cowgate area at 7.25pm on Saturday and closed a number of roads while an investigation was carried out.
The roads have now reopened, but police are asking for CCTV footage to assist with the investigation.
Police said the “tragic incident” was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the general public.
Forensic officers photographed at crime scene in Edinburgh after ‘major incident’
Police set up a forensic tent at the scene, which was taped off last night
Police Scotland seen at a serious road traffic incident in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh
Police have asked social media users to stop sharing explicit photos and videos of the incident.
In one such video, seen by MailOnline, a group of revelers in fancy dress can be seen reacting to finding what appears to be a decapitated head on the road.
Sergeant Louise Birrell, from Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.
“Extensive investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
‘Officers have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is underway to check public and private CCTV footage.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, please contact us.
‘Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday 2 November 2024.’
Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local commander, said: “We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media that are causing distress to the family of the deceased and those who inadvertently view them.
‘We would ask the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them on the relevant social media platform to prevent further spread.
‘There has been a lot of speculation and I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the general public.
‘This was a tragic incident. We are investigating an accident and our highway patrol, assisted by local officers, continues to investigate.”
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 closed last night
A photo taken by witnesses shows officers standing at the scene, which was recorded on tape
“Anyone who has concerns or has information that could assist the investigation should contact police.”
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 were also closed that evening, with Halloween-themed events suspended and emergency services remaining at the scene.
Nearby Bachata Blues dance school was among the businesses affected and released a statement saying: ‘Following instructions from police, all venues are closed this evening due to a major incident.
‘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!’