Nightmare in Edinburgh after reports a ‘severed head’ was found in Scottish capital’s party district – as forensic police swarm the city, with bars and pubs closed and streets sealed off

Police have swarmed Edinburgh’s party district following reports a ‘severed head’ was found in the street. 

Eyewitnesses have claimed the gruesome discovery was made in the Cowgate area in the city’s Old Town, the Daily Record has reported. 

Images seen by MailOnline appear to show a body covered in a white sheet lying in the road with a forensic tent also set up. 

However, these reports have not yet been confirmed by police, with officers claiming to be responding a ‘traffic incident’.

Emergency services were called to Cowgate shortly after 8pm on Saturday night with a number of streets now closed to the public. 

Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road have all been cordoned off, with multiple officers stationed in the area.  

An image captured by witnesses show cops standing by the scene which has been taped off

Police Scotland are responding to a serious road traffic incident in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh

An eyewitnesses at the scene told Edinburgh Live: ‘Police just appeared and started putting tape up. Whatever it is, it looks pretty serious. 

‘There doesn’t look to be any cars inside the cordon anyway’.

A number of nightclubs and other venues in the vicinity of the incident have also been closed for the evening, with Halloween-themed events put on hold with emergency services remaining at the scene.

Nearby dance school Bachata Blues was once of the impacted businesses and released a statement reading: ‘Following police instructions, all venues are going to be closed tonight due to a major incident. 

‘All ways to enter Cowgate are cut off. Unfortunately, we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following police instructions. We will be back soon & hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!’

Police Scotland Edinburgh also released an official statement confirming they were attendance at a road traffic incident in the Cowgate area.

‘Emergencies services are responding to a road traffic incident in Cowgate, Edinburgh. Blair Street, Guthrie Street, Candlemaker Road are closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Thank you for your patience.’

Police have set up a forensic tent at the scene which has been taped off 

Authorities have sealed off a number of streets, with emergency services remaining on the scene

Images captured by onlookers and shared across social media show Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road all closed off by cops