A teenager has been killed after a New Year’s Day road smash in the Borders.

The 18-year-old male passenger was pronounced dead at the scene following the single-vehicle accident on the west-bound A697, near the junction with the B6456 road for Westruther.

The blue Mitsubishi Evo car crossed to the other side of the road and crashed broadside into a tree at around 7.10pm on Sunday.

The driver, who is a 17-year-old male, is being treated for serious injuries in Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital. His condition is described as critical.

Neither person’s identity has been disclosed.

Police confirmed the road was closed for four and a half hours following the incident to allow officers to conduct their enquiries.

They have appealed for witnesses who have any information to come forward and assist with their investigation.

Witnesses should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 01313113131 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800555111.