Two people have been killed and another seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The incident took place on the A68, on the approach road to the Edinburgh city bypass near Pathhead, Midlothian, at around 3.15am on Friday.

A man and woman travelling in the same car were pronounced dead at the scene, while another man is in a serious condition at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The A68 has been closed between the Salters Road junction and the A68 Millerhill junction.

Inspector Neil Mitchell of Dalkeith Police Station said: "Emergency services are currently attending a three-vehicle road traffic collision on an approach road to the Edinburgh city bypass north of Pathhead, which has resulted in the deaths of two people and left another with serious injuries."

He added: "The A720 city bypass remains open however the A68 approach road has been closed in both directions between A68 Salters Road junction and A68 Millerhill junction.

"It is expected to remain closed for several hours while collision investigation work is carried out.

"Local diversions are in place and our inquiries into the full set of circumstances are ongoing.

"I wish to thank motorists and members of the local community for their cooperation and patience while we carry out this vital work.

"I also appeal to anyone who was travelling in the area and who witnessed this collision to contact police immediately on 101 if they have not already done so."