Three people have died in a train derailment in Aberdeenshire and six people are injured, British Transport Police (BTP) have said.
The force said those pronounced dead at the scene near Stonehaven include the train’s driver.
BTP said those injured have been taken to hospital and are not thought to be seriously hurt.
The force believes all passengers have now been accounted for.
BTP chief superintendent Eddie Wylie said: “This is a tragic incident and first and foremost our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have very sadly died this morning.
“We remain on scene alongside our emergency service colleagues and a major incident operation has been under way.
“I would like to reassure the public that this was not a busy service and from CCTV inquiries and witness statements we believe all passengers have been accounted for.”
He added: “However, once the area has been made safe then a full and thorough search will be conducted, which is likely to take some time.
“I know many people will understandably have questions and we will be working closely alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail and Road to establish the full circumstances of how the train came to derail.”
Rail industry sources told the PA news agency the suspected cause of the incident is a landslip.
The train involved was the 06.38 Aberdeen to Stonehaven, made up of a locomotive and four carriages.
It is understood the locomotive and three carriages derailed and slid down an embankment.
Unions called the crash a “tragedy” as a major incident was declared at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Industry sources have told the PA news agency at least one person has died, although that has yet to be officially confirmed, and that there were 12 people on the train – six passengers and six staff.
Speaking before First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Nicola Sturgeon said although “details are still emerging”, there are “early reports of serious injuries”.
She said: “My immediate thoughts and the thoughts of those across the chamber are with all those involved.”
Local MP Andrew Bowie said he had spoken to the UK’s Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who is liaising with Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail about the derailment.
He told the PA news agency: “It’s obviously a terrible situation, a train derailment, the emergency services are on the scene.
“I’ve already spoken to Grant Shapps, who has spoken to Network Rail and the British Transport Police, who are obviously investigating and assisting.
“I am aware that Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has declared a major incident.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “I am saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire and my thoughts are with all of those affected. My thanks to the emergency services at the scene.”
Train operator ScotRail posted a message on Twitter shortly after 6.30am warning that services across Scotland would be disrupted due to “extremely heavy rain flooding”.
Video posted to social media by Network Rail Scotland earlier on Wednesday showed a landslip on the track at Carmont, believed to be close to the scene of the crash.
It is unclear whether the landslip was directly related to the derailment.
Network Rail tweeted at 9.49am: “At Carmont, we’ve had reports of a landslip, which means services can’t operate between Dundee & Aberdeen.”
Police had said reports of the train derailment were first received at 9.40am.
Mr Bowie had been in Stonehaven surveying flood damage earlier on Wednesday.
He said: “The situation was really bad this morning, the River Carron, the main river which flows through it, had burst its banks and the heavy rain had caused flooding in the centre of Stonehaven and lots of the side streets leading off it.
“Luckily, the water receded incredibly quickly and the river has peaked and is going down.”
“Obviously none of us expected there to be such a serious incident as a rail derailment at the same time but it just goes to show how damaging the bad weather can be.”
He added: “I don’t think speculation is helpful at this stage.
“We obviously don’t know why the derailment took place but obviously we have suffered terrible weather here.”
Mick Lynch, the assistant general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said: “The facts behind this incident will need to be established in due course but at this stage we are focused on support and assistance and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy.”
Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the rail industry, said: “We are saddened to learn about the incident in Aberdeenshire today and our thoughts are with those affected.
“While an investigation will follow, our current focus is to provide every support we can in the immediate response.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here