TWO men died in a car crash on the M9 near Plean last weekend, police have confirmed.

Christopher Brown, 34 and from Bathgate, and 56-year-old John Turner from Armadale, were travelling in a grey Toyota Hilux when it left the road near Plean at around 6.50am on Saturday March 17.

Both men were sadly pronounced dead at the scene and a third man from the vehicle was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Sergeant David Marr of Forth Valley Road Policing Unit said: "My sympathies go out to the families and friends of Christopher and John and specially trained officers continue to provide them with support at this difficult time.

"Inquiries into the collision are ongoing and I would continue to appeal for anyone who may have seen the Toyota travelling eastbound on the M9 prior to the incident, or anyone who saw it leave the road around a mile east of the Bannockburn Interchange, to please come forward."

The incident happened at around 6.50am on Saturday, 17 March, around one-mile east of the Bannockburn Interchange.

The grey Toyota was travelling eastbound left the road, and came to a stop in a field.

Officers attended along with other emergency services and the road was closed between junctions 8 and 9 for around 10 hours while investigations were conducted at the scene.

Sergeant Marr added: "I would ask anyone who was on the M9 immediately prior to the collision, or who witnessed what happened, to get in touch as soon as possible.

"I also would appeal to anyone who may have dash cam footage of the incident to come forward to assist with our investigations.

"Similarly, anyone with other information relevant to the inquiry is asked to contact us as soon as possible."

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 902 of March 17, or report this anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.