The family of a mother and child who died after getting into difficulty at Aberdeen beach say they are "devastated by their loss".

Julie Walker, 37, and her six-year-old son Lucas died in hospital after the incident on Saturday.

Samuel Walker, 13, is still receiving treatment after going into the water in an attempt to rescue them.

In a statement released on Thursday, their family said: "As a family we are understandably devastated by the loss of Julie and Lucas, a much-loved mother and son.

"Julie was a kind and loving mother who would have done anything for her children, while Lucas was a lively and energetic little boy who was inquisitive by nature."

They added: "We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who assisted at the scene and would also like to say how grateful we are to the members of the public who entered the water that day to help.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the countless messages of support we have received. We can take great comfort from them at this extremely difficult time.

"As a family we now have to come to terms with our devastating loss and would request that we are left to do this in private."

Amanda Murray, head teacher at Bramble Brae School, where Lucas had recently started primary three, said his friends were "in a state of shock".

She added: "On behalf of everyone at Bramble Brae School we would like to express our deepest condolences to Lucas' family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."

Pupils at Bramble Brae have been offered counselling, Aberdeen City Council said.