Pedestrian struck in Edinburgh's Cowgate as police investigate reports of a severed head

Reports have emerged of a distressing incident in Edinburgh where police confirmed that a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle on Cowgate, amid disturbing allegations of a "severed head" being discovered. The serious traffic collision was responded to at 7.30pm on Saturday evening, with officers launching an investigation into the event.

A major police presence resulted in local pubs being cleared out as numerous officers descended on Cowgate. Claims from witnesses about the so-called "severed head" made rounds with unverified pictures circulating online and reaching local media.

Public reactions to these images described them as "gruesome" and "horrific". Forensic experts have erected two distinct tents at the location of the incident, reports the Daily Record.

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Katie McLaughlin, who hails from Dumfries and was in Bannerman's Bar during the mayhem, recounted her experience: "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 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 nearby nightlife venues have been instructed to shut their doors to facilitate police investigations.

A host of bars and nightclubs 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."