Public warned not to share 'distressing' images online after man, 74 dies after being struck by bus

Police have urged members of the public not to share “distressing” images on social media following a fatal crash in Edinburgh.

Officers were called to the Cowgate area of Edinburgh around 7.25pm on Saturday evening following reports of a collision involving a single-decker bus and a pedestrian.

A 74-year-old man died as a result of the collision.

A number of roads in the area were closed to allow officers to carry out their investigation, however roads have since re-opened.

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.

“Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday, November 2 2024.”

Police respond to collision involving pedestrian and vehicle in Cowgate area, November 2 2024 STV News

Following the incident, a number of “distressing” images and videos circulated on social media and police have warned members of the public not to share them online.

They added the family of the man who died have been left “distressed” and have viewed the images inadvertently.

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said: “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.”

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