A CAR which police say caused a death crash in Edinburgh has been discovered in Cowdenbeath.

An investigation has been launched following a fatal road collision that took place in the early hours of this morning (Friday).

An Audi A3 was seen being driven from the Barnton area towards the Maybury Roundabout.

The car approached the roundabout and headed into the opposing carriageway, causing a BMW to swerve and collide with a Peugeot 206 travelling in the opposite direction.

The Peugeot caught fire and the driver was found dead inside after the blaze was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

A 25-year-old man, a 22-year-old woman and girl, 5, within the BMW, are being treated for their injuries at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The Audi fled the scene and was later found by police officers at Lochgelly Road, Cowdenbeath.

It was discovered near the local ambulance depot at around 3.50am.

The driver has not been traced.

The car had been stolen from the Liberton area of Edinburgh on April 17.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Grainger from Edinburgh CID said: "At this time we believe the stolen Audi A3 has been driven in a dangerous and reckless manner, which has caused this collision to take place in which a person has died. Those within this vehicle have then failed to stop and it appears they have thereafter travelled into Fife.

"We have dedicated significant resources to this inquiry and while we have now recovered the Audi, the driver and anyone else within the car are yet to be traced.

"As part of this investigation we are keen to know if anyone has seen the stolen Audi A3 being driven or  in unusual or suspicious circumstances in Edinburgh or elsewhere since 17 April 2018. 

"We are also keen to trace the occupants of a silver-coloured hatchback car, which is believed to have been travelling in convoy with the Audi and is also believed to have headed into Fife. 

"I would ask that anyone who can help us trace these individuals to contact police immediately."

Chief Inspector David Happs, Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh, said: "We recognise the impact this incident has had on the local community, not only in relation to the traffic issues, but due to the harrowing nature in which a person has died.

"While Road Policing Officers and CID conduct their respective investigations, local resources will be conducting door-to-door enquiries within the Barnton and East Craigs areas to speak with the public and hopefully gather information of use to the inquiry.

"Rest assured, we are treating this with the utmost seriousness and will utilise all available resources at our disposal to identify all of those involved."

Those with information can contact CID at Corstorphine via 101 and quote incident number 108 of the 25th May.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.