Three killed in road accident

Police are investigating the cause of the accident

The three people who were killed in a road accident near Brechin have been named by the police.

All three were from the Montrose area.

They were Ann-Marie Healy, 16, from the town's Mount Avenue; Lee George McCombie, 18, from Drylees, and Sean Johnston, 20, who lived in a cottage at Balwyllo farm.

They died after their Vauxhall car left the A935 about a mile from Brechin and hit a tree at 0040 on Wednesday.

The two men died at the scene and the girl, who was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, died later.

Three units of Tayside Fire Brigade attended and used thermal imaging equipment to search the area surrounding the crash for further casualties.

'Accident blackspot'

No-one else was injured and inquiries were continuing, police said.

Police said the road was closed for more than four hours while accident investigators and emergency services worked at the scene.

Angus MSP Andrew Welsh said the A935 was an accident blackspot.

The Scottish National Party member said: "This is quite a dangerous road and I would hope that the council would be looking at additional installing safety measures."

Ann-Marie was a bright and lively girl with her whole life in front of her George Stachura Head teacher

However, Angus Council said it would be inappropriate to comment on that issue until the police inquiry was concluded.

Montrose Academy head teacher George Stachura paid tribute to Ann-Marie Healy.

"The school community is shocked and saddened by the news of Ann-Marie's death in this tragic accident," Mr Stachura said.

"Ann-Marie was a bright and lively girl with her whole life in front of her. She had recently started a link course at Angus College, as she was interested in a career in hairdressing.

"Staff and pupils express their heartfelt condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time."