Reports of a “severed head” near Edinburgh Cowgate have sparked a major police response on Saturday night. An area of Edinburgh’s old town was locked down by police, leading to the evacuation of nearby pubs. Eyewitnesses claimed that the severed head was discovered in a street close to the Cowgate. Images of the incident circulating online have not been verified yet.
Police Scotland initially stated they were dealing with a road traffic incident in the area. Comments on the force’s Facebook page described the images as “gruesome” and “horrific”. Forensic officers have been deployed to the scene, setting up two separate tents to conduct investigations.
One witness, Katie McLaughlin, recounted her experience of being in a bar in the Cowgate when the incident unfolded. She mentioned that the staff informed patrons about the discovery of a severed head in the area, leading to the closure of the pub by police. Surrounding streets such as Blair Street, Guthrie Street, and Candlemaker Road remain cordoned off while investigations are ongoing.
Several nearby nighttime venues, scheduled to host Halloween events, were directed to close to facilitate police operations. A statement from Bachata Blues Edinburgh announced the cancellation of their event following police instructions to shut down all Cowgate venues for the night. The Record has reached out to Police Scotland for further comment on the incident.
The incident in the Cowgate area has left residents and visitors stunned, with many describing the situation as surreal and serious. The closure of pubs and streets in a bustling area like the Cowgate has disrupted Halloween festivities and raised concerns in the community.
The ongoing police investigation aims to uncover the details surrounding the discovery of the severed head and ensure public safety in the area. As the community awaits updates from authorities, the incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected events that can unfold even in well-known and vibrant areas like Edinburgh’s old town.