Breaking: Major incident on Cowgate following reports of ‘severed head’

A student accounted a ‘severed head’ on the busy clubbing strip in Edinburgh

3 weeks ago | UPDATED 2 weeks ago

A man has reportedly been found “decapitated” on the streets of Cowgate, following an eyewitness account from an Edinburgh University student.

Officers were called to the scene at around 7:30pm on Saturday, 2nd November.

Police Scotland has released a statement saying: “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.”

The incident was initially labelled as traffic-related, with Police Scotland saying in a now deleted tweet:

“Emergency services are responding to a road traffic incident in Cowgate, Edinburgh. Blair Street, Guthrie Street, Candlemaker Road are closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Thank you for your patience.”

Shortly after, police shut down the road from Bar Fifty to Robertsons Close accommodation. At around 8:30pm the cordon was extended to the junction between Candlemakers Row and Grassmarket.

Forensics team attended after half an hour and were seen wearing hazmat suits surrounding a blue tent. It is understood that there were two tents put up.

Forensics team and police spotted at the scene

Pubs, bars and clubs in the nearby area have reportedly been instructed by police to shut down.

A statement from Bachata Blues Edinburgh, an organiser that was meant to have an event at a bar on Cowgate tonight, reads: “Following police instructions, all Cowgate venues are going to be closed tonight due to a major incident. All ways to enter Cowgate are cut off.”