POLICE are hunting the driver of a stolen car whose “reckless” driving caused a fatal crash in Edinburgh.

Three cars were directly involved in the collision near the Maybury roundabout yesterday.

One of the cars caught up in the incident, a Peugeot 206, burst into flames. After the blaze was put out, the sole occupant of the vehicle was found dead inside.

A 25-year-old man, a 22-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl who were in a BMW were all taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the crash.

Police said they are looking to trace the occupants of a stolen Audi A3 which was being driven in a “dangerous and reckless” manner and ultimately caused the incident.

Officers said the grey Audi was seen travelling “at speed” from Barnton towards the roundabout at around 12.30am, when it drove along the chevron to overtake several vehicles.

As it approached the roundabout, it headed into the opposite carriageway, causing the BMW to swerve and collide with the Peugeot travelling in the other direction.

The Audi fled the area and was found abandoned by police in Cowdenbeath, Fife, around four hours later. They said it had been stolen from the Liberton area of Edinburgh more than a month ago.

A major investigation has been launched to trace the driver and any other occupants of the stolen car.

Edinburgh CID detective chief inspector, Paul Grainger, said: “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 April 17.”