Police have confirmed that a man has been involved in a road traffic incident after being hit by a vehicle in Edinburgh last night.

Eyewitnesses on social media reported seeing a “severed head” at the scene after pubs in the bustling Cowgate area were forced to close at around 7.30pm last night.

Police cordoned off the area with hundreds of lawns removed from the bars before forensic officers arrived.

Detectives say inquiries are ongoing after confirming a collision.

Images of the incident have been shared online but have not been confirmed.

Commenters responded to the Police statement on social media, with one writing: “Absolutely horrible (…) Thinking of everyone involved.”

right Daily recordingnow there are two tents erected at the site.

In the area, many had been out celebrating Halloween in nearby pubs, bars and clubs.

Katie McLaughlin, from Dumfries, had been in Bannerman’s bar in the Cowgate when she and her friends were locked out after 8pm.

She told the Daily Record: “We were in Bannermans for a drink and went to leave but a member of staff stopped us. He said the police were outside and a severed head was 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 the police ordered them to close the pub. Then they let us all go out the back door, but we were able to look out into the street.

“I saw three police cars and five police officers and a small silver tent. The police are surveying the area. We’re in another pub now. The whole area is locked down. It seems so surreal.”

On Facebook, Edinburgh Police said: “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 2nd November we responded to reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. Investigations are ongoing.

“Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row are currently closed and the public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.”

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