Hundreds of revellers were told to leave pubs in Edinburgh’s Cowgate amid a major police incident.
Katie McLaughlin, 31, was in Bannermans Bar with pals when staff made an announcement telling everyone to get out.
Katie, from Dumfries, was in the capital for the weekend with a group of friends.
She said: “There was a band playing at the back when an announcement was made that police were outside and had ordered them to shut the pub.
“We finished our drinks and went to leave but a member of the staff stopped us.
“They then let us all leave by the back door but we were able to have a look down the street.
“I saw three police cars and five police officers and a small silver tent. The police were taping off the area.
“The whole area is sealed off. It just seems so surreal.”
Emergency services were called to the area around 8pm tonight.
A statement from Police Scotland Edinburgh said: “Emergency services are responding to a road traffic incident in Cowgate, Edinburgh.
“Blair Street, Guthrie Street, Candlemaker Road are closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Thank you for your patience.”
A number of other venues due to host Halloween-themed were also ordered to close as a large police cordon was erected around several streets.
A statement from Bachata Blues Edinburgh said: “Following police instructions, all Cowgate venues are going to be closed tonight due to a major incident. All ways to enter Cowgate are cut off. Unfortunately, we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following police instructions. We will be back soon & hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!”
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