Rally Tragedy Investigations Underway

Three people have been killed and several others injured in two separate crashes at the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders.

Two men and a woman died when a car left the road and hit four spectators near Coldstream just after 4pm yesterday.

It's understood two of them were from the same family, and the third was a photographer.

Another man is in a critical condition at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Around two hours earlier, another car had come off the route and hurt five people, one of them seriously.

The event was cancelled immediately after the second crash.

Organisers said they were "devastated" by the deaths, and expressed their "heartfelt condolences and sympathy" to all those affected: "Our thoughts are especially with those who have lost family members and to the families of the injured spectators.

"All members of the organising team are in shock and are co-operating fully with Police Scotland to establish the facts."

The rally is the only closed-road race of its kind in mainland Britain and the organisers insist it has previously had an excellent safety record.

Today's Reivers Rally has also been called off.

First Minister Alex Salmond spoke of his shock, saying: “This is desperately sad and difficult news from the Borders of the tragic circumstances that have occurred at the Jim Clark Rally.

“My thoughts are with all of those involved and the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

"The Government is in contact with Police Scotland and we await the outcome of their inquiries.

“The Jim Clark Rally is a longstanding event of over 40 years. It is much loved in the Borders and by the rally driving community who I know will share in our sadness at what is a black day for the Borders and for Scotland.”

Local MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, John Lamont said: “This is tragic news for the Borders, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I know that the Rally organisers place considerable emphasis on the safety of the spectators and drivers but with any event of this nature, there will always be an element of risk.

“I live just a few miles away from the scene of the accident and I know that everyone is shocked and saddened by this dreadful news.”