Imposter Pope has his dog collar felt by police

An officer questions the fake Pope

The character, who stopped at the Telford Road branch of McDonalds at 9am for breakfast, was stopped by police after a number of people were fooled into thinking it was the real Pope.

After questioning the imposter at Comely Bank, police decided to let the elderly gentleman - hired by Popewatch.org for a publicity stunt - go on his way.

He spent the rest of the day travelling around the city, signing autographs. A spokesman for Popewatch said: "Most people only got a quick glimpse of the real Pope, but we had another guy doing the rounds.

"After our Pope zoomed around Edinburgh, he headed to Glasgow. Next stop is London. We're behind the real Pope all the way."

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police can confirm that a male dressed in papal attire as part of a publicity stunt was spoken to by officers on Comely Bank.

"His replica Popemobile was security checked and moved on from causing an obstruction to traffic in the area.

"The male was then permitted to continue with his business."

Some people were apparently fooled by the fake Popemobile, despite the fact that it appeared to be sponsored by a bookie