Pedestrian struck by car in Edinburgh amid reports of 'severed head'

Police have been dispatched to Edinburgh's Cowgate area following an incident where a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle, amidst circulating reports of a "severed head" discovered on the street. The capital's officers reported to the scene of a critical road collision at 7.30pm on Saturday evening.

They have verified an accident took place and state that investigations are presently active. The Cowgate saw pubs evacuated as numerous police units arrived.

One onlooker has alleged seeing a "severed head" in an adjacent street. Photos appearing online, forwarded to the Record, await confirmation.

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Comments on the police's Facebook suggest the images relating to the supposed event are "gruesome" and "horrific". Forensics have established two separate tents at the location, reports the Daily Record.

Katie McLaughlin, visiting from Dumfries, found herself locked inside Bannerman's Bar in Cowgate past 8 pm. The 31 year old recounted to the Record: "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."

She added: "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 onlooker reported: "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."

Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road remain cordoned off. Several local night-time venues have been instructed to shut their doors to facilitate police investigations.

A number of bars and clubs had planned Halloween-themed events.

A statement from Police Scotland reads: "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.

"Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row are currently closed, and members of the public are asked to avoid the area until further notice."