Major police investigation in Edinburgh after reports a ‘severed head’ was found on street

Officers reportedly swooped on the Cowgate area and the local force confirmed to the Daily Record that a pedestrian was struck by a car.

“Gruesome” and “horrific” images of the head have been shared on Facebook, though these have not been verified by the media.

A 999 call was made from Cowgate, a popular nightlife area, shortly after 8pm on Saturday night, leading to road closures on Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road.

An eyewitness told Edinburgh Live: “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.”

She added: “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.”

As of 10am on Sunday, bus services had resumed through the area.

A video seen by the Standard shows a man picking up a head before placing it back down, while another person jumps over it.

Police have not commented on the “severed head” rumours.

A Police Scotland statement read: “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.”