Parts of central Edinburgh were locked down last night with bars evacuated in a large police response to a road accident.
Eyewitness claimed that a ‘severed head’ was found by members of the public in a nearby street, but photographs and videos circulating have not yet been verified.
Comments left on the local police force’s Facebook page claim images of the alleged incident are ‘gruesome’ and ‘horrific’.
Police said there had ‘a serious road traffic accident’ where a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle just after 7.30pm last night in the Cowgate area.
Pubs and bars, which had been busy with celebrations, were ordered to close while a large cordon was put in place.
Katie McLaughlin, from Dumfries, had been in Bannerman’s Bar when she and her friends were locked in after around 8pm.
The 31-year-old said: ‘We were in Bannermans having a drink and went to leave but a member of the staff stopped us. He said police were outside and a severed head had been found in the Cowgate.
‘I almost laughed because it’s Halloween weekend and I thought it was a prank. We went to the bar where the staff said, no, it’s real.
‘They said that the police had ordered them to shut the pub. They then let us all leave by the back door but we were able to have a look down the street.
‘I saw three police cars and five police officers and a small silver tent. The police were taping off the area. We are in another pub now. The whole area is sealed off. It just seems so surreal.’
Another eyewitness said: ‘Police just appeared and started putting tape up. Whatever it is, it looks pretty serious. There doesn’t look to be any cars inside the cordon anyway.’
Bachata Blues dance school said their business had been impacted, writing in a statement: ‘Following police instructions, all venues are going to be closed tonight due to a major incident.
‘All ways to enter Cowgate are cut off. Unfortunately, we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following police instructions. We will be back soon & hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!’
Police Scotland Edinburgh said last night: ‘Officers in Edinburgh are currently dealing with a serious road traffic collision in the Cowgate area of the city.
‘Shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday, 2 November, we responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Enquiries are ongoing.
‘As a result, Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row are closed to pedestrians and traffic. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area until further notice.’
Metro has contacted Police Scotland to confirm reports of human remains found in the street.
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