A murder inquiry has been launched, with police hunting for the occupants of a black Mercedes after a woman died following a “dangerous” car chase.

Emergency services were called to B902 New Carron Road in Falkirk at around 6.10pm on Saturday after two vehicles collided.

The 27-year-old female driver of a silver Vauxhall Vectra was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her 22-year-old male passenger was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, while the 39-year-old male driver of a black Volkswagen Tiguan also suffered minor injuries.

Police Scotland said the woman’s death was being treated as “suspicious”.

Shortly before the crash, investigating officers say those in the Vauxhall were involved in an “altercation” with the occupants of a black Mercedes C-Class outside an address in Foundry Street.

Police say the Mercedes pursued the Vauxhall on to New Carron Road “in a dangerous fashion” and then fled the scene after the crash.

Detective Inspector Hazel Reid said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman at this very difficult time.

“We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation and extensive enquiries are ongoing at this time.

“It is imperative we trace the occupants of the black Mercedes who fled the scene.

“We believe this vehicle has pursued the Vauxhall in a dangerous fashion, resulting in a crash with the Volkswagen Tiguan.”

Officers have been gathering CCTV footage from the surrounding area and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

Anyone with information, private CCTV or dashcam footage is being urged to come forward.

Inspector Reid added: “We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.

“It is vital that we find out more about what has happened as soon as we can and I would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible, no matter how insignificant it might seem.”