Hundreds of partygoers were forced to leave pubs in Edinburghs bustling Cowgate following a “major incident”.

Emergency services raced to the area at around 8pm on Saturday night. Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road currently remain closed off by police. 

Pictures from the scene show a blue tent within a cordon surrounded by forensic officers, Daily Record reports.

31-year-old Katie McLaughlin found herself amidst the chaos at Bannermans Bar, where she and her friends were abruptly informed that they needed to vacate the premises.

Hailing from Dumfries, Katie, who was on a weekend break in the Scottish capital, said: “There was a band playing at the back when an announcement was made that police were outside and had ordered them to shut the pub.”

She added: “We finished our drinks and went to leave but a member of the staff stopped us.”

The staff directed the patrons towards an alternate exit, with Katie adding: “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.”

Katie described the scene as incredibly unusual: “The whole area is sealed off. It just seems so surreal.”

A statement from Bachata Blues Edinburgh 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. 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!”

A statement from Police Scotland Edinburgh reads: “Emergencies 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.”