A mother and son have died in hospital after a “tragic incident” at Aberdeen beach.
The emergency services were called to reports of people in difficulty in the water at around 4.45pm on Saturday.
A major rescue operation was launched and five people were pulled from the water and taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
A 37-year-old woman and a seven-year-old boy, understood to be mother and son, later died in hospital.
A man, aged 28, a woman, aged 25, and 13-year-old boy remain in hospital for treatment.
Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie said the incident would “undoubtedly bring shock” to Aberdeen and urged the public to take care near coastal areas, the Press Association reported.
“This is a very tragic incident which has resulted in a woman and young boy sadly losing their lives - it will undoubtedly bring shock and sadness to the entire city of Aberdeen and further afield,” Mackie said.
“As we work with partners to establish the full circumstances of today’s events, we urge anyone who witnessed the incident or perhaps have information that could assist, to make contact with police via 101.
“Given the recent weather conditions we’d urge members of the public to take care, especially when near coastal or beach areas.”
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said two of those rescued were pulled from the sea by Aberdeen inshore lifeboat crew and others were recovered by police.