74 year old man dies after being hit by a bus on Edinburgh's Cowgate

Police are urging the public not to continue sharing images from the aftermath of the incident last night

Police closed off streets around Cowgate last night while investigations were carried out
Author: Molly TulettPublished 3rd Nov 2024
Last updated 3rd Nov 2024

A 74 year old man has died after being hit by a bus on Edinburgh’s Cowgate on Saturday evening.

Police were called to the area around 7.25pm on November 2, and a Blair Street, Guthrie Street, and Candlemaker Road were closed to pedestrians and traffic while investigations were carried out.

Businesses on Cowgate were also closed after the incident, but have since reopened, along with the roads.

Following speculation online, people are being asked by police not to continue sharing images of the aftermath of the incident, as they are causing distress to the family of the victim, and “those viewing them inadvertently”.

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.

“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.”

Flowers were left for the 74 year old man who died after being hit by a bus in Cowgate, Edinburgh

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said it was a “tragic incident”.

She added: “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.

Roads and businesses around Cowgate have reopened after the incident on Saturday night

“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.”

“Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police.”

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