JUST IN: Three People Dead, More Injured As Train Derails From Tracks

Three people have died after a train derailed in Aberdeenshire whilst six passengers were taken to hospital.

Emergency services have rushed to the scene after the crash, where the are concerns the train's engine is on fire. The derailment occurred near the town of Stonehaven at around 9.45am.

The train involved was the 06.38 Aberdeen to Stonehaven, made up of a locomotive and four carriages.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "A report was received of a train having derailed near Stonehaven at around 9.45am on Wednesday August 12.

"Emergency services are in attendance and the incident is ongoing."

A ScotRail spokesman, added: “We’re assisting the emergency services with an incident near Stonehaven, and will provide more information when available.”

Smoke could be seen billowing from the train on the track in the countryside, while several emergency service vehicles could be seen parked in a field.

Pictures posted from the scene showed at least six ambulance vehicles, an air ambulance and a number of police response cars at the scene.

It comes after heavy rain and thunderstorms have caused travel disruption and flooding in several parts of Scotland including in Fife where a major incident has been declared. 

ScotRail tweeted that due to "extremely heavy rain" and flooding on the railway, services across the country will be delayed or cancelled.

Passengers were advised to check before travelling and consider alternative transport where possible.

HM Chief Inspector of Railways Ian Prosser said: "We are saddened by today's incident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.

"ORR inspectors are on site at Stonehaven, assisting in the preliminary investigation. We will work with other agencies, including the emergency services, to find out exactly what happened and identify the causes of this tragic incident."

"The facts behind this incident will need to be established in due course but at this stage we are focused on support and assistance and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy."

Nicola Sturgoen, First Minister of Scotland, said: "Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "My deepest condolences are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

"I have just been updated by Network Rail and the emergency services on the ongoing operation. My thanks go to them, and my thoughts remain with everyone affected."

Local Tory MP Andrew Bowie said he had spoken to the UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who is liaising with Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail about the derailment and added: "Thoughts with every single person involved. Will update more when I can."

Scottish Conservative leader in Holyrood Ruth Davidson said in a statement: "May I add the thoughts of my party to those already been expressed regarding the incident in Stonehaven today.

"It is clear that this incident is serious and it will have affected a number of families across Scotland. We think of them at this time and also those emergency workers who are currently in attendance."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted: "Just met urgently with @networkrail for a briefing on Stonehaven derailment.

"British Transport Police & Network Rail are on location, along with rail workers who were nearby.

"The UK Government will provide every support. My thoughts are with those involved and their families."

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We currently have multiple resources in attendance at a train derailment near Stonhaven, including six ambulances, our special operations response teams, air ambulance, patient transport vehicles and the Scotstar emergency service.