Police have issued a plea after horrific videos were shared online showing revelers finding a ‘severed head’ after a man was hit and killed by a bus in Edinburgh.

In one such video seen by MailOnline, a group of people in fancy dress can be seen reacting to finding what appears to be a decapitated head on the road.

Officers have confirmed that a man has died after his head was found in the middle of the street following a tragic collision involving a bus.

A 74-year-old man died after being hit by a bus in the party area of ​​Scotland’s capital.

Officers rushed to the Cowgate area at 7.25pm ​​on Saturday and closed several roads while the investigation continued.

The roads have since reopened but police are appealing for any CCTV footage to assist the investigation.

Police said the ‘tragic incident’ was isolated and there was no risk to the wider public.

Coroners photographed at crime scene in Edinburgh after ‘major incident’

Police set up a forensic tent at the scene, which was taped off last night.

Police Scotland spotted at serious traffic incident in Edinburgh’s Cowgate area

Sergeant Louise Birrell, of Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the dead man.

‘Extensive investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

‘Officers spoke to a number of people who were in the area at the time and efforts are continuing to check public and private CCTV footage.

‘We are still looking forward to hearing from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If anyone has information about the incident, please contact us.

‘Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Please quote incident number 3395 on Saturday 2 November 2024.’

Local area commander Chief Inspector Trisha Clark said: ‘We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are distressing to the deceased’s family and anyone who inadvertently views them.

‘Out of respect for his family, we ask the public not to share these and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further spread.

‘There has been much speculation and I would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public.

‘This was a tragic event. ‘We are investigating a crash and our road enforcement officers, with the assistance of local officers, are continuing to carry out investigations.’

While authorities closed some streets to traffic, emergency services were also at the scene.

Images taken by viewers and shared on social media show Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row were closed last night

In the video recorded by eyewitnesses, police officers are seen standing next to the crime scene, which was closed with tape.

‘Anyone with concerns or any information that could assist the investigation should contact police.’

An eyewitness at the scene told Edinburgh Live: ‘The police arrived and started putting tape on. Whatever it is, it looks pretty serious.

‘There don’t seem to be any cars inside the cordon anyway’.

Some nightclubs and other venues at the scene were also closed for the evening, while Halloween-themed events were also stopped as emergency services remained at the scene.

Nearby dance school Bachata Blues was one of the affected businesses and issued the following statement: ‘In accordance with police instructions, all venues will be closed tonight due to a major incident.

‘All means of entering Cowgate have been cut off. Unfortunately we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night following police orders. We’ll be back soon and hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!’