Twin boys who drowned in fish pond were 'miracle IVF babies'

The couple offered 'special thanks to all the medical staff, family and friends'

Parents Mervyn Scott and Sarah Aitken with their twins Rhys and Shaun Scott who drowned in a fishpond in Dalgety Bay, Fife. (PA)

The parents of two-year-old twin boys who drowned after falling into a fish pond have said they are shocked and devastated by the loss of their "miracle babies".

Two-year-olds Rhys and Shaun Scott died after the incident in Dalgety Bay, Fife, on Saturday morning.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, the twins' parents Mervyn Scott and Sarah Aitken said: "We would like to thank everyone for their support at this unfortunate and difficult time."

The couple offered "special thanks to all the medical staff, family, friends, neighbours and the police for their efforts, hard work and time spent helping and trying to revive our miracle babies".

It is understood the pond where the incident happened is in the back garden of the house.

Dalgety Bay councillor Dave Dempsey said the community was shocked.

He told the Daily Record: "It is enormously sad and my heart goes out to the family.

"I cannot begin to imagine what the family are going through - it is everyone's worst nightmare. The whole community is shocked.

"As local councillors, we were all notified that two young children had fallen into a pond and died. To think it is twin boys is heartbreaking."

Mr Rowley said: "This is awful news and is every parent's worst nightmare.

"The loss of two young lives from the same family is just heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers, and those of the whole community, are with the family."

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene to help the boys.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We received a call around 8.20am on Saturday following a report of concern for two children at an address in Dalgety Bay, Fife.

"Two male twins, aged two had reportedly drowned in a fish pond and officers attended with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

"The children were taken to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy where they sadly died."

PA Scotland