By Fraser Clarke

Three people have been detained after a nurse was killed when she was hit by a car which was being chased by police in Edinburgh.

Jill Pirrie, 33, was hit and killed by a car which was being pursued by a Police Scotland vehicle through Edinburgh on Thursday night.

Ms Pirrie, who has a five-year-old son, was on her way home after finishing work as a theatre nurse at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The Herald:

(Photograph by Alan Simpson)

Locals said four teenagers, believed to be aged around fifteen, were in the car that crashed.

It is thought two were injured in the crash and arrested at the scene.

The other passengers involed are still being sought by the police. 

The incident, which involved a Ford Ka being chased by a marked police vehicle with lights and sirens switched on, happened in the city's Old Dalkeith Road at about 8pm.

The Herald:

(Photograph by Alan Simpson)

Ms Pirrie is understood to have lived in the Craigmillar area of the city, just two miles from the place where she worked. Her brother, Keith Pirrie, took to social media this morning to share the story, and wrote: "This is my sister that died. "She was on her way home from work at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. "She has a young son."

Locals who live near the scene of the accident expressed their shock and sympathy for the family. A 61-year-old woman, who does not wish to be named and lives on Old Dalkeith Road said: "All we know is that police were going up here last night at about 8 o'clock. The next thing we heard was that it was four young lads in a Ford Ka they were chasing."

"Neighbours nearby heard screeching brakes and came over to see what was happening." 

 Tomasz Curylo was out cutting his grass when he heard a "big bang". The 42-year-old said: "I heard a big crash and bang, then shortly after the ambulance and police came along the road. "It was just after 8 o'clock."

Liz Stewart, 73, also lives nearby and said: "This is such tragic news. I know it's a busy road but hearing something like this happen is a real shock to the community."

The Herald:

(Photograph by Alan Simpson)

Well-wishers took to social media to pay their respects to the woman. One person wrote: "This woman is the sister of a friend of a friend. She was an innocent party in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Please share this, and hopefully the police can deal with those responsible."

Suzanne Crichton said: "Rest in peace such a young life. I just wish people in cars would stop when they see police cars."

Police Scotland have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and contact officers on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."