A NUMBER of streets in central Edinburgh were sealed off on Saturday evening following a major police response after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle.

Emergency services were called to the scene in the Cowgate area of the capital around 7.30pm following reports of a serious road traffic collision.

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Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Row were all closed to pedestrians and traffic while emergency services responded to the report.

Members of the public have also been asked to avoid the area until further notice.

There were reports that a blue forensic tent was erected, and officers were also seen putting up sheets on the South Bridge to screen off the view of the Cowgate below.

The cordons have since been lifted and flowers were reportedly placed at the scene on Sunday morning.

Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.