Accident deaths spark appeals for witnesses

Floral tributes beside the B6350 near Redden Farm following a fatal crash

The most recent accident left a motorcyclist dead after a collision with a tractor on the A72 near Clovenfords on Monday, June 27.

Shortly after 7.20pm, road traffic officers were called out to the A72 Cliff Road after receiving a report of a collision between a tractor, towing a trailer, and a dark-coloured Kawasaki motorbike near the entrance for Caddonlee Farm.

The motorcyclist, a 45-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses and are keen to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle beforehand.

Sergeant Neil Inglis, of Police Scotland’s divisional road policing unit at Galashiels, said: “Tragically, another life has been lost in a collision on our roads.

“The next of kin have been informed, and we are providing them with support at this difficult time.

“As a result of this incident, a stretch of road between Clovenfords and Walkerburn was closed for around 10 hours to allow for collision investigation work to be carried out.

“We’re still looking into the full set of circumstances that led up to this incident, and I urge anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the collision itself to come forward if not already done so.”

Information is also being sought on a fatal accident on the B6350 between Carham and Sprouston.

On Friday, June 17, a Suzuki Ignis came off the road and overturned.

Michelle Bennett, 47, of Berwick, a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another passenger remains in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

Last Friday, June 24, a Nissan Micra was involved in a collision with a Blue Mercedes van on the A708 Selkirk to Yarrowford road, near Philiphaugh, at around 12.45pm.

The occupants of the van were uninjured, but the 82-year-old female driver of the Nissan was taken to the Borders General Hospital at Melrose, where she later died.

And on Saturday, June 25, the 34-year-old driver of a Fiat Seicento involved in a collision with a Land Rover Defender on the A7 near Hawick was left with what police describe as life-changing injuries.

Anyone with information on any of these crashescan contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.