A young woman has died after falling from a motorcycle in the Scottish Borders.

The 23-year-old was a pillion passenger on a black Kawasaki bike when the incident took place in the early hours on Sunday morning.

Emergency services attended the scene on the A6091 Melrose Bypass at its junction with the Tweedbank Roundabout at around 3.40am and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the motorcycle also fell from the bike and was taken to hospital in an ambulance to be treated by medical staff.

The 27-year-old man was later released without any serious injuries.

Road Policing Officers attended along with other emergency services and the road was closed for approximately five hours while investigations were conducted at the scene.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses and anyone who can help is asked to come forward.

Sergeant Ross Drummond from Dalkeith's Road Policing Unit said: "Sadly this collision has resulted in a woman losing her life and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

"We're eager to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I would appeal to any drivers on the Melrose Bypass who witnessed what happened, or anyone who saw the motorcycle in the Galashiels area last night to contact us as soon as possible."

Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.