TWO people have been killed following a two vehicle smash in the Borders.

Police have appealed for information following the head-on collision involving a Volkswagen Polo and an Audi A6 on the A7 road between Galashiels and Edinburgh, one-mile north of Stow.

Emergency services raced to the scene after the alarm was raised yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon around 4.30pm.

The 67-year-old driver of the Polo had to be pulled free from the wreckage after her vehicle overturned.

The fire service administered CPR, with the help of a passing nurse, until the ambulance service arrived. But she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The male driver of the Audi and his two female passengers were all taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for various injuries, where one of the women, aged 95, passed away in the early hours of this morning. Both other occupants are not believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

Fire crews from Galashiels and Lauder were called out following reports that casualties were trapped in their vehicles. And passing motorists were quickly on hand with first aid and fire extinguishers.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "On arrival, crews from Galashiels and Lauder were met with a two car collision, with a driver and passenger still trapped inside one of the vehicles.

"Crews were assisted by a passing nurse to administer oxygen to one of the occupants before ambulances arrived. Working closely with Scottish Ambulance Service personnel, firefighters extricated both casualties from the vehicle.

"Sadly two people died as a result of the collision."

Road Policing Officers closed the road for around six hours while they conducted their inquiries and are now urging anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

Sergeant Brian Smith said: “Tragically, this incident has resulted in the death of two women and we are now working to establish exactly what happened.

“I would ask that any motorists who were on the A7 near Stow yesterday and have information that can assist with our investigation contacts police immediately.” Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.