The name of a pensioner who was beheaded after being hit by a bus in Edinburgh has been announced.

Michael Leneghen, 74, died after being hit by a single-decker vehicle in the city’s Cowgate area on Saturday night.

It is believed that the terrible accident occurred as a result of him falling on the road.

His family released a statement saying: ‘We would like to thank all members of the public and emergency services. ‘We will now ask for privacy at this time.’

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: ‘Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by this tragic incident.

‘Our investigations continue. We have already spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and efforts are ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage.

‘We are still looking forward to hearing from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, please get in touch.’

Many roads in the area were closed as coroners and detectives tried to find out what led to Mr Leneghan’s death.