Four-year-old boy among the five fatalities in Moray crash on the A96

Police have provided an update following the fatal collision on the A96 between Keith and Huntly. Roads Policing Superintendent Louise Blakelock spoke earlier to give details of the incident shortly before midnight on Thursday.

"Three adult passengers – two women aged 69 and 70 and a 63-year-old man - who were travelling in an orange Nissan X-Trail all sadly died from their injuries. The 39-year-old female driver sustained serious injuries and is being treated at Dr Gray's. Everyone in this car was local to this area"

"A white Fiat Talento mini-bus, which had been carrying Italian tourists, was also involved in the collision. Tragically two people who were passengers within this vehicle - a woman and a four-year-old boy - have also died. The male driver, a male passenger, female passenger and a three-year-old boy, also in the mini-bus, were taken to hospital with a variety of injuries. The woman is considered to be in a critical condition and is being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The little boy sustained minor injuries and is being well cared for"

"The dreadful scene faced by the emergency responders from Police, Fire and Ambulance and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency was both distressing and extremely challenging for everyone involved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made valiant attempts to save the casualties lives - their efforts cannot be underestimated. I would also like to thank members of the public who came upon this terrible incident, who phoned the emergency services and provided first aid and comfort"

"Every loss of life on our roads is a tragedy however when so many are killed in one incident the impact on their families, their friends and our entire community is massive. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been involved or affected"

Police say an investigation is ongoing into the exact circumstances of the RTC, but officers are once again appealing for anyone who was in the area last night and saw either vehicle in the lead-up to the incident to contact the Police on 101, especially if you have dashcam footage.