Annie Walton Doyle
Police have issued an update and named the victim following the tragedy of a severed head being found in the street.
They had previously a strong warning after disturbing videos and images started circulating on social media following a tragic incident on the evening of November 2, 2024.
The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. when emergency services responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a bus.
Tragically, it was confirmed that a 74-year-old man had died at the scene.
In the wake of the crash, disturbing footage allegedly showing the man’s severed head on the street began spreading across social media.
This led to public concern, particularly from those close to the deceased.
Police officials have since urged people not to share the videos, as they are causing significant distress to both the man’s grieving family and those who are inadvertently viewing the images.
Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, addressed the situation, stating per Edinburgh Live: “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.”
Clark also reassured the public that the incident was isolated and posed no wider threat.
“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,” she said.
The officer further emphasized the severity of the situation, acknowledging the tragedy for the man’s family and the local community, while urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The tragic incident disrupted the Halloween weekend celebrations in Edinburgh, particularly in the Cowgate area, where pubs and restaurants were evacuated in response to the crash.
Revelers who were out enjoying the evening found themselves locked in bars as the area was shut down, with some bars and nightclubs within the police cordon also forced to close for the rest of the evening.
As the police investigation continued, a strong police presence was seen throughout the night, and road closures were in place for several hours.
By Sunday morning, the police had lifted the cordon, and floral tributes began appearing at the scene as the community showed their respects.
In addition to the tragic nature of the incident, rumors began circulating on social media, falsely suggesting that local nightclub owner John ‘Mick’ McWilliams, who owns the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh, was the victim of the crash.
In an attempt to clear up the confusion, McWilliams posted a video on social media, confirming that he was not involved in the incident.
“Good morning everyone, it’s 11.45 am and yes, I am still alive. My condolences go out to whoever did die in the Grassmarket last night. Social media, such a dangerous thing. This has upset so many people,” he stated in the video, reports the Mirror.
While the spread of false information is concerning, the focus of the investigation remains on the tragic crash.
The police have continued to conduct inquiries into the incident, with road policing officers working alongside local officers to gather more information.
Chief Inspector Clark reiterated the importance of public assistance, saying per North Edinburgh News: “This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out inquiries.
“Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police.”
The police also shared the tragic detail that members of the deceased’s family found out about the incident on social media.
Police have now issued a major update, identifying the man who died from severe injuries after being struck by a bus in central Edinburgh, per the BBC.
Michael Leneghan, 74, was killed in the busy Cowgate area of the city on Saturday, in front of crowds on a street filled with late-night bars and nightclubs.
Police Scotland has urged the public not to share images or videos from the scene, asking for respect for his family during this difficult time.
The family of Mr. Leneghan expressed gratitude to the public and emergency services for their efforts while requesting privacy.
Sgt. Paul Ewing, from the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, stated: “Our thoughts remain with Michael’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident. We have already spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to review both public and private CCTV footage.”
Several individuals are believed to have witnessed the incident before the bars, clubs, and hotels within the cordon were closed early.
Police Scotland confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.
In a statement, Mr. Leneghan’s family said: “We wish to thank all the members of the public and emergency services involved. We would now ask for privacy at this time.”
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