Police officer was driving pick-up that hit footballer near Ecclefechan

Dean Watson remains in a critical condition in hospital following the accident

A serving police officer was driving the pick-up which hit a young footballer in southern Scotland.

Dean Watson, 24, was struck by a black Mitsubishi L200 near Ecclefechan at about 01:30 on 22 October.

The former Queen of the South player, now with Dalbeattie Star, remains in hospital where his condition is described as "critical but stable".

Police Scotland confirmed that the vehicle which struck Mr Watson was being driven by an off-duty officer.

The young footballer was walking along the B7076 when the accident happened.

Emergency services attended and he was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary before being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

Police have issued a fresh appeal to trace a small, light-coloured car - possibly white - which is understood to have been travelling south on the road just before the accident happened.

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Sgt Colin Ramage 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 01:30 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."

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.