Appeal to trace driver after serious crash which left man fighting for life in Ecclefechan

A driver believed to have been travelling on a road shortly before a crash in the early hours which left a young footballer fighting for his life is being sought by police.

The serious crash occurred at around 1.30am on Sunday, October 22 on the B7076 near Ecclefechan in Dumfries.

A 24-year-old man was walking along the road when he was struck by a black Mitsubishi L200 pick up vehicle.

He was named locally by the South of Scotland Football League club he is signed to, Dalbeattie Star, as Dean Watson.

Emergency services attended, and Mr Watson was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary before being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

He remains in hospital where medical staff describe his condition as critical but stable.

Dean Watson was walking on the B7076 near to the village of Ecclefechan at around 1.30am when he was struck. SNS Group

From extensive enquiries carried out so far, a small light-coloured car, possibly white in colour, is understood to have been travelling south on the B7076 just before the collision took place.

Police are now appealing in the hope that the driver will come forward to assist with the investigation.

Sergeant Colin Ramage from road policing said: “There is no suggestion that the vehicle we are trying to trace was involved in the crash, however we believe the driver may have information which could assist with our investigation.

“I am appealing directly to the driver of the light-coloured car which was travelling south on the B7076 in the minutes before the victim was struck around 1.30am to please come forward.

“Even if you think you have no information of significance, it is still crucial that we speak to you, as even the slightest detail could be important.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0290 of Sunday, October 22, 2023.”