POLICE have launched an appeal to find a taxi driver's last passenger in the hope they can shed light on a fatal road accident.

John Nisbet died after the taxi he was driving was involved in a collision with a van on the A1 in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

Now police are appealing for the passenger, or passengers, who used his taxi shortly before the accident, which happened around 12.30am on the southbound carriageway between the Old Craighall and Wallyford Junctions.

Police said it was likely Mr Nisbet, 72, from Edinburgh, picked the fare up in Edinburgh around midnight before taking them to an address in the Wallyford area.

Anyone who used a taxi around the times given to travel from the city is asked to contact the police.

Sergeant Roger Park of the Road Policing Unit said: "We continue to work to establish the full circumstances surrounding John's death and our condolences remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.

"As part of our inquiries, we're very keen to trace the person or persons who used this taxi shortly before the collision itself.

"I want to stress that they are not in any trouble whatsoever, but we believe that they may have information which can help with our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.