A MOTORCYCLIST was killed in a crash last night on the A72 near Clovenfords.

The 45-year-old man was riding a dark-coloured Kawasaki when it collided with a tractor and trailer at Caddonlee Farm just before 7.20pm.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police officers want to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash or either vehicle beforehand.

Sergeant Neil Inglis of the Divisional Road Policing Unit at Galashiels told us: “Tragically another life has been lost in a collision on our roads.

“The next of kin have been informed and we are providing them with support at this difficult time."

The A72 was closed for around 10 hours to allow a crash investigation to be carried out.

Sergeant Inglis added: “From our enquiries thus far we understand the motorcycle had been travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the A72 before turning north at the Nest roundabout.

"The tractor appears to have been crossing the roadway in order to access a neighbouring field when the collision occurred.

“We’re still looking into the full set of circumstances that led up to this incident and today I urge anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the collision itself to come forward if not already done so.”

Anyone relevant information is asked to contact police on 101 or alternatively the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.