Witness appeal after police discover man’s body in woods near A68 road in Midlothian while responding to report of ‘motorbike fire’

Police are appealing for witnesses after finding a body as they responded to reports of an off-road motorcycle on fire.

Officers discovered the man’s body on land off Hadfast Road, near Cousland, at around 9.20am on Sunday.

The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, with work ongoing to formally identify the man who has died.

Police also revealed a 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an assault as part of their investigation. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man is due to appear in court on Tuesday, January 19.

Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Burns, of Lothian & Borders CID, said: "We are carrying out extensive enquiries in order to establish exactly what has happened prior to the man being found dead during the morning of Sunday, 17 January.

"He was found on a path in woodland to the west of the village of Cousland where it runs under the A68 road, which we know is regularly used by locals.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen a fire or heard any activity in the area overnight or in the early hours of Sunday to get in touch.

"We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have been driving in the area around Cousland or on the A68 who may have seen the fire or who may have dashcam footage.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

"If you have any information you can call 101, quoting incident 0931 of 17 January."

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