Young footballer critical after being struck by car near Ecclefechan

Dean Watson formerly played football at Queen of the South football team.

A young footballer is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after being hit by a car in Dumfries and Galloway.

Dean Watson, 24, was struck by a black Mitsubishi L200 near Ecclefechan early on Sunday morning.

The former Queen of the South player, who is currently signed to Dalbeattie Star, was initially taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

He was later transferred to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Police have appealed for information from witnesses to the crash, which happened on the B7076 at about 01:30 on Sunday.

Mr Watson joined Queen of the South in July 2018 and made three appearances as a substitute before joining his hometown team at Gretna.

He joined South of Scotland Football League club Dalbeattie Star this summer.

In a post on social media, the club said: "Everyone at Dalbeattie Star would like to pass our best wishes to current player, Dean Watson, who was involved in a serious traffic incident near Ecclefechan in the early hours of this morning. Keep fighting Deano."

Queen of the South said on their website: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Dean and his family and friends. Stay strong Deano."

Sgt Colin Ramage said inquiries were taking place to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

"We are appealing for anyone who was on the B7076 near to Ecclefechan in the early hours of [Sunday] and may have noticed the vehicle involved, or anything else of relevance, to please get in touch," he said.

"We are particularly keen to hear from motorists with dash-cams who may have footage which could assist with our inquiries."