Tragic Michael Leneghan, 74, was ‘beheaded’ after he was hit by a single-decker bus in the capital’s Cowgate area at around 7.25pm on Saturday, November 2 last year
The investigation into the death of a man who was ‘decapitated’ after being hit by a bus in Edinburgh has been concluded. Michael Leneghan, 74, was ‘beheaded’ when he was struck by a single-decker bus in Cowgate, in the capital, around 7.25pm on Saturday, November 2 last year.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have now confirmed that the inquiry into his death has ended and no further action will be taken. His family have also been informed. The incident occurred as the city was bustling with party-goers celebrating Halloween, many of whom were in fancy dress.
Graphic footage of the aftermath of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting Police Scotland Chief Inspector Trisha Clark to issue a warning about the distressing content, reports the Daily Record.
She stated at the time: “We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceased’s family. 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.”
Pub-goers were told to stay inside as police cordoned off the surrounding area to investigate the horrific incident. Katie, from Dumfries, told to the Record at the time: “We were in Bannermans having a drink and went to leave but a member of the staff stopped us. He said police were outside and a severed head had been found in the Cowgate.
“She said: “I almost laughed because it’s Halloween weekend and I thought it was a prank. We went to the bar where the staff said, no, it’s real.
“They said that the police had ordered them to shut the pub. ” She added: “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.
“It just seems so surreal.”
A representative for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service stated: “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report on the death of a 74-year-old man in Edinburgh on 2 November 2024.”
She said: “Following investigation, the Procurator Fiscal concluded that no further action was required. “She said: “The family have been informed.”
Speaking at the time of the tragedy, Mr Leneghen’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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