Three climbers have died following an avalanche on Ben Nevis.
The avalanche, which sparked a massive mountain rescue operation, occurred in Number 5 Gully area at around 11:50am.
Police have now confirmed that three people have died, with a fourth person being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The mountain rescue response was coordinated by police, with volunteers from Lochaber Mountain Rescue and Glencoe Mountain Rescue teams attending.
Support at the scene was also received from the Coastguard and Maritime Agency and ambulance service.
Police have said that work “remains ongoing to trace the next of kin of those involved”.
They added: “No further details are available until this has been done, however we are following a positive line of inquiry in relation to their identity.”
Fort William Inspector Isla Campbell said: “This has been a challenging operation and I want to pass on my thanks to the mountain rescue teams, colleagues at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Scottish Ambulance Service for their assistance in extremely difficult conditions.
“I would also like to praise members of the public and staff from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service who were on scene at the time and provided immediate assistance.”
