Social media restraint appeal as man killed by bus in Edinburgh’s Cowgate

Officers also put up sheets on the South Bridge to screen off the view of the Cowgate below.

Police Scotland said an investigation had begun, and officers were keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who had not yet been contacted.

Ch Insp 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.

The police cordons in the area have now been lifted and a bunch of flowers was placed at the scene on Sunday morning.