Questions over M9 crash evidence

● Family of victim find debris a year on from tragic deaths of couple

The family of a young mother who died after lying trapped in a car for three days after it crashed on the M9 last summer has questioned whether Police Scotland overlooked crucial evidence as part of their investigation into the tragedy.

A year on from the accident which claimed the lives of Lamara Bell and her partner, John Yuill, Ms Bell’s relatives say they have found previously unidentified wreckage strewn across the crash site.

Her daughter, Alysha, 10, picked up pieces of debris from shrubbery next to the M9, where the family left flowers to mark the first anniversary of the deaths.

Ms Bell’s father, Andrew, said the discovery raised doubts over whether the under-fire force had carried out its job properly in determining the cause of the crash.

0 John Yuill and Lamara Bell died after their car came off the M9 outside Stirling

He said: “I picked up bodywork which should have been taken away for examination after the crash – I thought every piece had gone?

“I’ve picked up dozens of bits of plastic in undergrowth at the crash site, including a big chunk which looked like it could be a bumper attachment.

“I would have hoped the police would have gone above and beyond to make sure their investigation was done right.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said if further evidence was discovered, there was a need for an “urgent” explanation.

However, Police Scotland defended its original search and said it was working to establish whether the items recovered on Friday were linked to last July’s collision.

Chief Superintendent Stephen Mcallister, the Forth Valley Commander, said: “We have made direct contact with the Bell family and have recovered the debris to establish its source.

“We have advised the Crown Office and will carry out the necessary investigation to try to establish what link, if any, these items have to the accident.

“I would again extend my sympathies and those of Police Scotland to the families of Lamara Bell and John Yuill at this difficult time.”

The Lord Advocate is currently considering the findings of an independent report before deciding if any action, such as a fatal accident inquiry, should follow.

A Crown Office spokesman said it had been made aware of the matter by Police Scotland, but added that it would be inappropriate to comment further