Nicola Sturgeon has branded the horror Stonehaven train crash as 'an extremely serious incident' as emergency services work on the scene.
A train derailed near the Aberdeenshire town around 9.45am this morning prompting the First Minister's response.
A huge police, fire and ambulance presence has been spotted on the scene amid reports of serious injuries and carriages being on fire.
Nicola Sturgeon was briefed by emergency services just before standing up at Holyrood for First Minister’s Questions.
She will be having meetings with government and emergency officials through the afternoon.
“Details are still emerging but there are early reports of serious injuries,” she said.
Pictures on social media show huge plumes of smoke rising into the air.
Many services have been cancelled today due to the huge rain downpours across the country.
The First Minister also tweeted: "This is an extremely serious incident. I’ve had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved."
Network Rail have tweeted: "We are working alongside the emergency services to respond to an incident involving a train near Stonehaven.
"It is too early to confirm the exact nature and severity of the incident and more details will be made available once known."
