A MOTORCYCLE passenger has been killed in a crash at Melrose Bypass on Sunday.

The incident happened at around 3.40am on Sunday, August 5 on the A6091 Melrose Bypass, at the junction with the Tweedbank Roundabout.

A black Kawasaki ZX636 motorcycle was travelling eastbound from Galashiels and as it reached the roundabout, both the rider and pillion passenger have fallen from the bike.

As a result the 23-year-old female pillion passenger suffered fatal injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The 27-year-old male rider of the motorcycle was taken to hospital by ambulance but was released without any serious injury.

Road Policing Officers attended along with other emergency services and the road was closed for approximately five hours while investigations were conducted at the scene.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone who can help is asked to come forward.

Sergeant Ross Drummond from Dalkeith’s Road Policing Unit said: “Sadly this collision has resulted in a woman losing her life and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

“We’re eager to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I would appeal to any drivers on the Melrose Bypass who witnessed what happened, or anyone who saw the motorcycle in the Galashiels area last night to contact us as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland, via 101, quoting incident number 973 of August 5, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.