Witnesses ‘thought man’s head was Halloween prop after he was decapitated by bus’

A decapitated head was found on a street in central Edinburgh last night in a crash with a bus.

Police said a 74-year-old man died after being hit by a single-decker bus in the Cowgate area just before 7.30pm last night.

Exact circumstances of what happened in the crash remain unclear, but eyewitnesses claimed members of the public mistook the head for a Halloween prank, with the area busy with people partying.

A receptionist working in hotel near where the incident happened told Metro she heard about what happened after arriving at work this morning, when a colleague told her a human head had been found.

‘I work in the building across the street; I haven’t heard much but I’m just in shock,’ she said.

Photographs and videos circulating have not yet been verified but are being widely shared online.

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark 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. 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.’

Katie McLaughlin, from Dumfries, had been in Bannerman’s Bar when she and her friends were locked in after around 8pm.

The 31-year-old said: ‘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 eyewitness said: ‘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.’

Bachata Blues dance school said their business had been impacted, writing in a statement: ‘Following police instructions, all venues are going to be closed tonight due to a major incident. 

‘All ways to enter Cowgate are cut off. Unfortunately, we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following police instructions. We will be back soon & hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!’

Comments left on the local police force’s Facebook page claim images of the alleged incident are ‘gruesome’ and ‘horrific’.

Police Scotland Edinburgh said last night: ‘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.

‘As a result, Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row are closed to pedestrians and traffic. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area until further notice.’

Metro has contacted Police Scotland to confirm reports of human remains found in the street.

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