Several animals 'destroyed' and driver 'badly shaken' after cattle transporter overturns in the Borders

Police appeal to find driver of second HGV who 'could assist inquiry'

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 1st Mar 2024
Last updated 1st Mar 2024

It's emerged a number of cattle had to be "humanely destroyed" after a cattle transporter overturned in the Scottish Borders.

The driver of the lorry was also left "badly shaken" after losing control of his vehicle while travelling north on the A697 near Lauder, en route to Stirling.

Police are trying to trace the driver of a second HGV believed to have been travelling in the opposite direction at the time of the crash - shortly before 7am on Wednesday - and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised. They were supported by a team of specialist vets.

And the road was closed between the Carfraemill and Gordon turn-offs for most of the day.

READ MORE: Borders bid 'should be the start of a process for creating a suite of National Parks in Scotland'

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Enquiries carried out so far have established another HGV was travelling southbound on the A697. This lorry passed the cattle transporter prior to it overturning. Officers are appealing for the driver of this vehicle to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0486 of February 28th, 2024.

Constable Cameron Simpson said: “We believe the driver of the lorry will have relevant information which could assist our inquiry and we are appealing to them to contact us."

And he added: "I would also ask other motorists who were on the road around this time to get in touch, especially if they have dash cam equipment. It’s possible their equipment has captured images which could aid our investigation.”

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