Aberdeen beach deaths: Mother and seven-year-old son die following 'tragic' incident at seafront

Three more people, including a 13-year-old boy, have been taken to hospital

The section of Aberdeen beach near pizza hut, where the incident is reported to have taken place (Google Streetview)

A mother and son have died following a "tragic" incident at Aberdeen beach.

The 37-year-old woman and seven-year-old boy were pulled from the water by rescue workers but died in hospital.

Three more people, a 28-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman and a 13-year-old-boy, remain in the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The alarm was raised around 4.45pm on Saturday, after reports came in of people in difficulty in the water, and a rescue operation was launched.

Martin Vicaa, who witnessed the incident, told The Scottish Sun: "The tide was all the way in and at that point it would be reaching six or seven feet up the sea wall.

"There's a sloped bit of the sea wall then there's a wee flat bit then a vertical drop. They were on the wee flat bit.

"The first police car that arrived tore down the slope and straight into the water. It was not a question of playing around trying to be safe, waiting for lifeboats or whatever.

"Members of the public were helping as much as they could.

Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie said: "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.

"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.