Police watchdog to probe wrong-way crash that killed two men

The police watchdog is to investigate the circumstances surrounding a crash in which two drivers died after one of them drove the wrong way on a motorway.

A grey Ford Kuga was seen travelling northbound on the southbound carriageway of the M90, near junction seven, at about 22:30 on Friday. Seconds later it collided with a white Vauxhall Corsa, which was travelling southbound.

Police Scotland said the 44-year-old Kuga driver and the 20-year-old Corsa driver were pronounced dead at the scene.

The force confirmed a marked police vehicle was involved in a pursuit of the Kuga before the crash but did not follow it onto the motorway.

Earlier on Sunday, a spokesperson confirmed a referral of the circumstances of the incident had been submitted by Police Scotland's Professional Standards Department to the Police Investigation & Review Commissioner (Pirc) for consideration.

The force later issued an update in response to "rumours circulating on social media".

Chief Insp Lyne Williamson said: "Whilst on routine patrol, an officer in a marked police vehicle encountered a Ford Kuga travelling towards them in the wrong direction on a roundabout, near to the entrance of junction six of the M90."

She said the officer activated blue lights but the Kuga continued onto the southbound carriageway of the motorway, travelling north in the wrong direction.

Chief Insp Williamson added: "The police vehicle then proceeded onto the northbound carriageway, travelling north in the correct direction, before coming across the collision between the Ford Kuga and the Vauxhall Corsa on the opposing carriageway ."

The officer said the Pirc referral was mandatory under the circumstances and urged the public to "avoid further speculation".

The M90 was closed for about 16 hours between junctions six and nine to allow emergency services to carry out investigations.

The northbound carriageway was also closed for a short time overnight.

Police have appealed for anyone who was travelling on the M90 at the time and witnessed what happened to contact officers.