A FATAL accident inquiry is due to be held at Selkirk Sheriff Court into the death of a teenager who took his own life after being placed in an adult psychiatric ward.

Nineteen-year-old Harris Macdonell was moved into the unit at Huntlyburn near Melrose, operated by NHS Borders, after suffering a breakdown following a diagnosis of autism.

The Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, ordered a fatal accident inquiry should take place after she ruled his death occurred in circumstances which give rise to 'serious public concern'.

Scotland's most senior prosecutor said the probe was necessary to examine the care and treatment received by Macdonell, who stayed near Melrose.

The inquiry will also examine whether steps might have been taken to avoid his death.

A preliminary hearing will take place at Selkirk Sheriff Court on August 7 with the full inquiry set to get under way at a later date.