The parents of twin two-year-old boys who died after drowning in a fish pond at their home have said they will be "forever missed and loved."

Rhys and Shaun Scott died after falling into the pond at their home in Dalgety Bay, Fife, on Saturday.

In a tribute released through the police the boys' parents, Mervyn Scott and Sarah Aitken, said they were "little soldiers who were full of love, happiness, fun and cheek."

They thanked the medics who tried to revive their "miracle babies" following the "freak" accident.

Emergency services were called to the house around 8.20am and the boys were taken to Victoria Hospital, where they later died.

It is understood the family had only recently moved into the rented property, with a previous owner having installed the pond.

The twins’ parents said: "We would like to thank everyone for their support at this unfortunate and difficult time.

"We have special thanks to all the medical staff, family, friends, neighbours and the police for their efforts, hard work and time spent helping and trying to revive our miracle babies.

"Both boys were long awaited little soldiers who were full of love, happiness, fun and cheek.

"Individually and together they have touched the lives of everyone they met.

"We along with our family and friends are still in shock and devastated at such a tragic loss from such a ‘freak’ accident.

"They have been taken from us far too early and will be forever missed and loved.

"We wish to be left alone and be given the privacy needed to grieve.”