Horror hit the streets of Edinburgh over Halloween when city centre revellers found a “severed head” on the ground.
The grim discovery sent shockwaves around the world after astonishing footage was circulated online of revellers appearing to believe the pensioner’s decapitated head was just a scary prop.
But soon afterwards, the streets of Cowgate were cordoned off as police and emergency services swooped on the scene just after 7.25pm on November 2.
Nighclubs and bars in the surrouding area were ordered to close as students in nearby accomodation were evacuated.
Police Scotland later confirmed that a 74-year-old pensioner had been killed instantly after he fell under the wheel arch of a a single-decker bus.
The man’s identity has not yet been confirmed.
(Image: PA)
Here’s what we know so far:
Horror video
The horrific moment Halloween revellers appear to pick up and squat over the man’s head was circulated on social media.
In the harrowing footage, a group of revellers in brightly-coloured fancy dress outfits walk past what is believed to be the head as it lies in the road. One of the group picks it up by the hair as they walk, before putting it back down as if realising it’s not a Halloween prop.
A second member of the group then appears to squat over the object before they nonchalantly continue on with their evening in the popular night-out neighbourhood of Cowgate.
Other pictures appear to show a severed head lying against the kerb, although most of the circulated images have been covered up with blue markings.
Social media warning
Police Scotland has encouraged people not to further share or distribute the images in a bid to protect the deceased’s family.
Comments left on the force’s Facebook page claim the images are “gruesome” and “horrific.”
(Image: PA)
Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said: “We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceased’s family and those viewing them inadvertently. We would ask members of the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further circulation.
“There has been a lot of speculation, and I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public.
“This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out enquiries.”
What police say
A statement on the Police Scotland website states: “A 74-year-old man has died after being struck by a single-decker bus in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh.
“Officers were called to the incident around 7.25pm on Saturday, 2 November.
“A number of roads in the area were closed to allow officers to carry out their investigation, however the roads have since re-opened.
Sergeant Louise Birrell, Road Policing Unit, Edinburgh: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
(Image: daily record)
“Officers have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, then please get in touch.
“Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2 November 2024.”
Halloween ‘prank’
Katie McLaughlin, from Dumfries, had been in Bannerman’s Bar in the Cowgate when she and her friends were locked in after around 8pm.
The 31-year-old told the 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.
(Image: handout)
“I saw three police cars and five police officers and a small silver tent. The police were taping off the area…It just seems so surreal.”
Mistaken identity
The owner of an Edinburgh nightclub has been forced to speak out saying he was not the man whose severed head was found on the street.
Liquid Rooms owner, John ‘Mick’ McWilliams confirmed he is still alive after sick rumours started circulating online.
He posted on social media: “Good morning everyone, it’s 11.45am and yes, I am still alive. My condolences go out to whoever did die in the Grassmarket last night. I can assure you I am alive and kicking.”
He added: “Social media, such a dangerous thing. This has upset so many people.”
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