Edinburgh horror as 'severed head' found in street and 'gruesome images' shared

'Concerning' incident sparks probe as police cordon off area after 'human remains' are discovered in city centre

Officers are investigating after the alarm was raised at around 8.15am on Tuesday on East Market Street

Police have launched a probe after “human remains” were found in the street in Edinburgh city centre.

Officers were called to East Market Street at around 8.15am on Tuesday January 31 after the alarm was raised.

The grim discovery sparked a major police response with the street cordoned off as forensic teams scoured the scene.

Police confirmed the incident is being treated as “concerning” but stressed there is no wider risk to the public.

It is understood the remains are believed to be that of a human head.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 8.15am on Tuesday, January 31, we received a report of human remains being found on East Market Street, Edinburgh.

"Officers are in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.

"The incident is being treated as concerning but there is no wider risk to the public."

The grim find comes after a severed head was found in a park in Glasgow last month.

The remains were discovered by a member of the public in Linn Park on January 11.

Police launched a murder investigation and a 40-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the death.