The police watchdog is to investigate the force's response to reports of a seriously ill man in Edinburgh.

The 73-year-old was found at a property on April 19 and taken to hospital, where he remains.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has launched an investigation into the initial police response.

A Pirc spokesman said: "Following a report of concern about the welfare of the occupant at the property, officers arrived to find a seriously ill 73-year-old man, who remains in hospital.

"In terms of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Investigations Procedure, Serious Incidents and Specified Weapons) Regulations 2013, the chief constable must refer certain incidents involving the police to the PIRC to allow for an independent investigation.

"A report on the findings will be submitted to the deputy chief constable in due course."

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