A mother and son died when a day out at a north-east beach turned into a double tragedy.
Julie Walker went into the water to try to rescue six-year-old Lucas after he fell into the sea during a family trip to the esplanade at Aberdeen.
Both were pulled out of the water but later died in hospital.
The young boy’s older brother Samuel, 13, bravely went into the waves to try to help the duo.
He was praised by police and was still recovering in the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital last night.
A 25-year-old woman and 28-year-old man – who also went into the sea to try to help – were treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but later discharged.
Emergency services received numerous reports of people in difficulty in the water opposite the seafront Pizza Hut branch around 4.45pm on Saturday.
Police, coastguard and fire service and ambulance crews all went to the scene.
Hundreds of people had been enjoying a beautiful sunny afternoon at the beach when the tragedy unfolded.
It is understood the Walker family had been playing on a stretch of the sea wall when Lucas fell into the sea.
His mother, brother and several other members of the public – including off-duty police officers – went in to try and save him.
Yesterday, police could be seen scouring the beach with metal detectors as part of their investigation.
Floral tributes had also been laid in memory of Ms Walker and Lucas.
Police Scotland’s north-east divisional commander Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson said: “This is a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with the Walker family at this sad and difficult time.
“Whilst officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident, it is clear heroic attempts were made to save Julie and Lucas by both on and off duty police officers, emergency service personnel and members of the public, facing treacherous sea conditions and high winds during their rescue bid.
“Their brave efforts cannot be overstated.
“I’d like to pay special tribute to Lucas’s brother Samuel, who very bravely entered the water in an attempt to rescue his mother and brother.
“We are all very thankful Samuel is making a steady recovery in hospital.
“Police Scotland would like to thank all rescue personnel who assisted at the scene in addition to the many members of the public who offered assistance and support during the incident.
“Our seas can be extremely unforgiving – even during the summer months – with conditions changing rapidly.
“I would urge people to be extremely careful when near any body of water whether you’re swimming, sailing or walking near the water’s edge.”
Onlooker Claire Lewtas said the boys had their tops off and were letting the waves come over the top of their heads.
She added: “There was a woman with them either videoing it or taking pictures.
“I was going to go down and tell her it was unsafe but I didn’t want to interfere so my husband and I left with my son.
“On the way home a friend contacted me saying there had been an incident down the beach and someone had been dragged into the sea.
“I only wish I had said something to her.”
Writing on Facebook, onlooker Stacie McPherson said the incident was “absolutely heartbreaking”.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also among those paying tribute.
She tweeted: “Tragic, heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with all those involved.”
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart posted: “Sorry to hear of the tragic event that has taken place at Aberdeen beach.
“My thoughts are with those involved, their families and friends.”
Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing added: “The tragic incident at Aberdeen Beach has resulted in a mother and young son sadly losing their lives.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected at this time and those who remain in hospital following yesterday’s events.
“Aberdeen City Council is providing support to the family during this difficult time.”
