A 74-year-old man has died after being struck by a bus in Edinburgh's Cowgate area on Saturday night.
The incident occurred around 7.25pm on November 2, 2024, prompting a significant police response and the closure of several nearby streets.
Initial reports circulating on social media claimed a "severed head" had been found in the city's Old Town, causing widespread speculation and concern.
However, authorities have since clarified that the fatality resulted from a collision between a pedestrian and a single-decker bus.
The tragic event led to the evacuation of local pubs and restaurants, with forensic tents erected at the scene as investigators worked to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Sergeant Louise Birrell from the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.
"Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident."
The police response was swift, with officers arriving at the scene shortly after the collision.
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Several roads, including Blair Street, Guthrie Street, and Candlemaker Row, were closed to traffic.
Eyewitnesses reported a significant police presence, with one observer noting: "Police just appeared and started putting tape up. Whatever it is, it looks pretty serious."
As the investigation unfolded, disturbing images began circulating on social media, prompting authorities to issue warnings against sharing such content out of respect for the deceased's family.
Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, addressed the circulation of disturbing images online.
She said: "We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceased's family and those viewing them inadvertently."
Clark urged the public not to share such content and requested that people report these images to social media platforms to prevent further circulation.
The police have reassured the community that this was an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities are continuing to review CCTV footage from the area and speak to individuals who were present at the time of the incident.
Katie McLaughlin, a 31-year-old from Dumfries, recounted her experience at Bannerman's Bar in the Cowgate.
She told the Daily Record: "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."
Several venues in the area were ordered to close, including the Mash House nightclub.
Bachata Blues Edinburgh, event organisers, said: "Following police instructions, all Cowgate venues are going to be closed tonight due to a major incident."
Police Scotland urges anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2 November 2024.
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