Man, 20, arrested after 17-year-old woman dies in fatal car crash
The police watchdog are also investigating the circumstances of the crash
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A MAN has been arrested after a 17-year-old woman died in a fatal car crash - amid claims the motor was allegedly being chased by police.
Tragic Ellie Douglas was a passenger in a Volkswagen Golf which was involved in a collision with an HGV at Boghead roundabout near Bathgate, West Lothian, last Monday night.
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Ellie Douglas died in a fatal car crash last week
Another female, 18, and the male driver, 20, were blue-lighted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries.
Officers have referred themselves to the police watchdog due to their prior involvement with the motor.
Today, Police Scotland confirmed a man has been released for more investigations to be carried out.
A spokesman said: 'A 20-year-old man has been arrested following a fatal crash in Bathgate.
'He has been released pending further enquiries.
'The circumstances surrounding the incident have been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.'
Devastated friends and family have paid tribute on social media after learning of trainee hairdresser Ellie's death.
Many have flocked to Facebook after hearing the devastating news.
One person said: 'She was a sweet girl! Rest in peace, good memories'.
Another added: 'Absolutely heartbreaking, thinking of her family'.
Ethnicity of child sex abuse suspects will be logged after truth about Asian grooming gangs was 'dodged for YEARS'
Her cousin posted: 'Words can't describe how devastated I am to hear that you've left this world, will forever love you and cherish all the memories we made. Rest easy cuz'.
Another local said: 'Rip Ellie… absolute sin, still had her full life ahead of her'.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise money to support her grieving family and 'help give Ellie the farewell she deserves'.
In the fundraiser, set up by someone close to the family, they described Ellie as a 'beautiful soul who lit up every room'.
The post on the GoFundMe page read: 'Ellie was a beautiful soul who lit up every room with her humour and warmth.
'She was a wee gem at our quiz nights and always brought joy to those around her.
'She had just completed her Level 5 in hairdressing and was full of excitement to begin her career.'
It's understood that the HGV driver was uninjured and has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged road traffic offences.
Inspector Ben Legge, of Police Scotland said: 'Enquiries are continuing to understand the full circumstances of what happened.
'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young girl who died."
Head of Investigations for the cops' watchdog, Raymond Brown, said:
'PIRC has received a referral from Police Scotland in relation to a fatal road traffic incident which took place on Monday, 9 June in Bathgate.
'We extend our deepest condolences to the family and all of those who have been affected.'
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