Police officer driving pick-up that left footballer fighting for life

A pick-up truck which struck a footballer and left him fighting for his life in hospital was being driven by a police officer at the time of the collision.

Dean Watson was hit by the black Mitsubishi L200 at around 1.30am on Sunday, October 22 while along the B7076 near Ecclefechan.

The 24-year-old, who plays for Lowland League club Dalbeattie Star, was rushed to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary before being transferred to to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

The serving officer was off duty at the time of the crash, it is understood.

Mr Watson remains in a “critical, but stable” condition, according to medics.

Investigating officers are now searching for the driver of a small light-coloured car, possibly white, who was travelling south on the same road shortly before the collision took place.

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.”