Three people are now believed to have died and one is feared missing after a train came off the tracks near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, careering down an embankment before bursting into flames.

It is believed the train driver is among the fatalities.

Rail industry sources have told the Press Association a landslip is the suspected cause of the accident. There was major flooding in the area overnight.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were scrambled to the rural location early this morning.

The Scotrail 06.38 from Aberdeen train, made up of an engine and four carriages, came off the tracks shortly before 10am today close to the old Carmont railway station, near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire.

It is believed there were six passengers and six members of staff aboard.

Dramatic video footage showed smoke billowing from the area with at least seven ambulances on the scene alongside police cars and fire engines.

The incident comes as  the area saw severe flooding overnight which led to flash flooding in Aberdeen and widespread disruption across the ScotRail network.

British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to the scene at 9.43am and remain there alongside paramedics and the fire brigade.”

ScotRail said they were 'assisting the emergency services with an incident near Stonehaven and will provide more information when available.

Scotland’s First Minister responded news, saying: “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.”

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