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Police have swarmed Edinburgh’s party district after receiving reports that a “severed head” was found in the street.
Eyewitnesses claimed the gruesome discovery was made in the Cowgate area of the city’s old town, the Daily Record reported.
Images seen by MailOnline appear to show a body covered in a white sheet lying on the road with a forensic tent also set up.
However, these reports have yet to be confirmed by police, with officers claiming to be responding to a “traffic incident.”
Emergency services were called to Cowgate shortly after 8pm on Saturday night and several streets were now closed to the public.
Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road have been cordoned off and several officers are stationed in the area.
Forensic officers photographed at the scene in Edinburgh following a ‘major incident’
An image captured by witnesses shows police officers standing next to the scene that has been recorded with tape.
Police Scotland are responding to a serious traffic incident in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh
An eyewitness at the scene told Edinburgh Live: “The police have just turned up and started putting up tape.” Whatever it is, it seems pretty serious.
“Anyway, there don’t seem to be any cars inside the cordon.”
Several nightclubs and other venues in the vicinity of the incident were also closed for the night, with Halloween-themed events suspended and emergency services remaining on scene.
The nearby Bachata Blues dance school was one of the businesses affected and issued a statement saying: “Following police instructions, all venues will be closed tonight due to a major incident.”
All access roads to Cowgate are closed. Unfortunately, we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following instructions from the police. We’ll be back soon and hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!’
Police Scotland in Edinburgh also issued an official statement confirming that they were attending a traffic incident in the Cowgate area.
‘Emergency services are responding to a traffic incident in Cowgate, Edinburgh. Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road are closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Thank you for your patience.’
Police set up a forensic tent at the scene, which was cordoned off.
Authorities have cordoned off several streets and emergency services remain at the scene.
Images captured by onlookers and shared on social media show Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road all closed by police.