Reports of 'severed head' near Edinburgh Cowgate as forensic cops swoop on scene

Police have launched an investigation after a severed head is said to have been found near a busy Edinburgh street.

Forensic officers have been pictured combing the area near the Cowgate, which was cordoned off on Friday afternoon.

Officers were called to the scene at around 1.50pm on Friday, September 16, after the alarm was raised.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of a body part being found in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh around 1.50pm on Friday, 16 September, 2022.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

A witness said CSI vans and police cars are at the scene and Cowgate has been cordoned off.

They said: "Police have cordoned off the area and there are CSI vans and police cars at the scene."

Another witness added: "I saw all the police and CSI at the Cowgate earlier. It is not something you expect to see on your way home from work on a Friday."

Social media users have also been reporting the incident and sharing pictures of the scene.

One person wrote: "Anyone know what is happening at cowgate? There is loads of police and the area is cordoned off."

Another added: "Loads of police and CSI vans in the Cowgate right now."