Parts of central Edinburgh were secured last night as bars were evacuated in response to a significant police operation following a road incident.
Witnesses reported that a ‘decapitated head’ was discovered by individuals nearby on a separate street, although the circulating photographs and videos have yet to be verified.
Comments posted on the local police department’s Facebook page state that images of the supposed occurrence are ‘gruesome’ and ‘terrifying’.
The police confirmed that there was ‘a significant road traffic incident’ in which a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle shortly after 7:30 PM in the Cowgate area.
Bars and pubs, which had been vibrant with festivities, were instructed to cease operations as a substantial cordon was established.
Katie McLaughlin, who hails from Dumfries, had been at Bannerman’s Bar when she and her companions were confined inside around 8 PM.
The 31-year-old recounted: ‘We were enjoying drinks in Bannermans and attempted to exit when a staff member halted us. He informed us that police were outside and a severed head had been located in the Cowgate area.’
‘I nearly laughed because it was Halloween weekend, and I thought it was some sort of joke. When we approached the bar, the staff confirmed that it was indeed real.’
‘They mentioned that the police had ordered the pub to close. Then they allowed us to exit through the back door, but we could glimpse down the street.’
‘I spotted three police cars, five officers, and a small silver tent. The police were cordoning off the area. We are now in another pub. The entire vicinity is sealed off. It feels so surreal.’
Another witness remarked: ‘The police just showed up and began putting up tape. Whatever is happening appears quite serious. There are no vehicles visible inside the cordoned-off area anyway.’
Bachata Blues dance school stated that their operations were affected, issuing a statement: ‘In accordance with police orders, all venues will be closed tonight due to a significant incident.’
‘All access points to Cowgate are blocked. Regrettably, we must cancel tonight’s event, as Mash House will remain closed all night following police directives. We look forward to returning soon and aim to reschedule our event as quickly as possible!’
Police Scotland Edinburgh stated last night: ‘Officers in Edinburgh are currently addressing a serious road traffic collision in the Cowgate area of the city.’
‘Shortly after 7:30 PM on Saturday, 2 November, we responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Investigations are ongoing.’
‘Consequently, Blair Street, Guthrie Street, and Candlemaker Row are closed to both pedestrians and vehicles. The public is advised to steer clear of the area until further updates.’
Metro has reached out to Police Scotland to verify claims regarding human remains found on the street.
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