Edinburgh police issue warning over video 'causing family distress' after 'severed head' claim

People have been urged not to share a viral video allegedly showing a 'severed head' in Edinburgh city centre after a 74-year-old man died in a tragic bus accident

Police have warned people not to share a viral video after a man's 'severed head' was allegedly found on a busy city street.

Pubs and restaurants were evacuated in Edinburgh city centre just after 8pm last night as police responded to reports of a pedestrian in collision with a bus. It was later confirmed a 74-year-old man had died at the scene.

Disturbing images and clips shared on social media in the aftermath claimed to show a 'severed head' on the street following the incident in the Cowgate area - and one top police boss has now urged members of the public to report them and not to share them with others.

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said that some of the man's grieving loved ones had seen the video by accident. She commented: "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. We would ask members of the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further circulation. 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 wider public.

"This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out enquiries. Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police."

Revellers celebrating the Halloween weekend were locked in bars during the response to the incident as the area was shut down, while some bars and nightclubs within the cordon were also ordered to close for the evening. Police cordons in place around the road were lifted on Sunday, and floral tributes began to appear at the scene.

It comes after a local nightclub proprietor responded to sick social media rumours that he was the victim of the fatal crash. John "Mick" Mcwilliams, owner of owner of Edinburgh's Liquid Rooms, posted a video to confirm he had not died in the tragedy. He said: "Good morning everyone, it's 11.45am and yes, I am still alive. My condolences go out to whoever did die in the Grassmarket last night. Social media, such a dangerous thing. This has upset so many people."