THE close-knit community of Newcastleton is in shock for the second time in under four months after a 39-year-old pedestrian sustained fatal injuries after being struck by a Landrover Freelander on Monday night.
He was named on Tuesday as Walter Brian Davidson of Copshaw Place.
The tragedy occurred in South Hermitage Street, the main thoroughfare at the south-western side of the village, close to the Olive Tree restaurant, at about 10pm.
It was reported to the police by the Freelander driver, understood to be a local woman, who had stopped at the scene.
The road was closed for around six hours while investigations were carried out.
At the time of the collision, Mr Davidson was wearing a grey top, blue jeans and white trainers, and police believe he had earlier been seen walking in the village.
“Officers are still trying to piece together what happened to result in this collision and we are keen to hear from motorists or pedestrians who were in the area at around 10pm on Monday,” said a police spokesman.
“Similarly anyone with any information that can aid this enquiry is also asked to come forward.”
The death of Mr Davidson, who had not long started a job at a biscuit factory in Carlisle, is the second tragedy to hit the village in recent months.
On December 15 last year, 23-year-old beautician Rebecca Rennie died when she was a passenger in a minibus which collided with a lorry on the A7 between Longtown and Carlisle.
“It’s fair to say that our village has been stunned by the loss of these two young people in such a relatively short time and our thoughts at this time are with Mr Davidson’s family,” said local postmaster Jim Rowan.
Anyone with information on Monday’s incident can contact the police on 0131 311 3131 or, in confidence, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.