Top prosecutor expects inquiry into M9 crash tragedy

Frank Mulholland QC, who is stepping down from the role, said he would expect an inquiry to be held given the level public concern over the fatal accident.

Lamara Bell, 25, and John Yuill, 28, died after lying in a crashed car for three days after it was first reported to police last July.

Ms Bell was critically injured in the crash off the M9 near Stirling and died later in hospital. Her partner Mr Yuill, 28, died at the scene.

Mr Mulholland instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) to carry out an independent probe into the circumstances.

The News told on Saturday how the same call centre – Bilston Glen in Midlothian – was contacted days before the death of Andrew Bow, 36, from Southside. Pirc is also new investigating Police Scotland over the response in that case.

Earlier this year, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie wrote to the Lord Advocate asking for an update on the M9 investigation.

In a reply, Mr Mulholland said: “When all investigations are completed this case will be reported to Crown Counsel for instruction as to what, if any, proceedings are appropriate.

“I should add that notwithstanding a decision on criminal proceedings I find it inconceivable that a fatal accident inquiry will not be held given the public concern over this tragedy.”