Police have confirmed a man was involved in a road traffic incident after being hit by a vehicle in Edinburgh last night.

Eyewitnesses on social media reported seeing a ‘severed head’ at the scene after pubs in the bustling Cowgate area were forced to close at around 7:30pm last night.

Police cordoned off the area with hundreds turfed out of bars, before forensic officers arrived.

Detectives say enquiries are ongoing after confirming a collision.

Images linked to the incident have been shared online but have not been confirmed.

Commenters replied to the Police’s social media statement, one wrote: “Absolutely horrific […] Thinking of everyone involved.”

According to the Daily Record, there are now two tents erected at the scene.

In the area, many had been out to celebrate Halloween in the pubs, bars and clubs nearby.

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

She told the Daily Record: “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.”

On Facebook, Edinburgh police said: “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.”

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