Edinburgh: Social media users urged to not share distressing images after man dies in 'tragic accident'

Members of the public have been asked not to share distressing videos and images circulating on social media following a road crash that killed a 74-year-old man.

Officers were called at about 7.25pm on Saturday after the man was hit by a single-decker bus in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh.

Several roads were closed while investigations took place but have since reopened.

Sergeant Louise Birrell of the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh said: "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".

'A tragic incident'

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, 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.

"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."

Police Scotland have asked anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation to get in touch.