Three people were taken to hospital after a taxi crash in Edinburgh city centre.

Emergency services were called to the scene in North Castle Street at around 1pm on Tuesday after the cab mounted a pavement and crashed into a building.

Police confirmed the 61-year-old male driver of the taxi and a female passenger were taken to hospital following the crash, along with a 59-year-old pedestrian who was hit by the vehicle.

Firefighters had to use hydraulic cutting equipment to free the occupants of the taxi.

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North Castle Street was closed between Queen Street and George Street while emergency services dealt with the incident.

A Police Scotland statement read: "Police in Edinburgh were called to North Castle Street, at the junction with Queen Street, around 1pm on Tuesday August 20 following a report of a collision involving a taxi and a pedestrian.

"The 59-year-old male pedestrian was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries.

"The 61-year-old male taxi driver and a female passenger have also been taken to hospital.

"Officers remain in attendance and North Castle Street is closed from George Street to Queen Street as inquiries continue to be conducted at the scene.

"Motorists are thanked for their co-operation and anyone who witnessed this, and has not yet spoken to officers, can contact Police Scotland."