A woman has died after falling 20 metres from the summit of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.

A major rescue operation involving fire crews and the coastguard helicopter was launched after the incident on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to the east side of the beauty spot at 2.40pm, however, police confirmed at 5pm that the woman had died at the scene.

Drivers have been advised to avoid the Queen's Drive road around Arthur's Seat.

A police spokesman said: "Police in Edinburgh were called to Arthur's Seat around 2.40pm on Wednesday following a report that a woman had fallen 20 metres down a cliff face.

"A multi-agency rescue operation was launched but the woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this."

"Motorists and members of the public are advised to avoid the area as emergency services are still in attendance."