Five people have been killed and another five seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on the A96.

The collision between a minibus and a Nissan X-Trail happened shortly before midnight on Thursday near Keith, Moray.

Five people including a child were taken to hospital following the crash, one of whom has potentially life-threatening injuries.

Police Scotland has asked anyone who has any information about the incident three miles east of Keith to contact them.

The Scottish Ambulance Service sent seven ambulances to the scene along with a special response team. They were accompanied by a coastguard rescue helicopter, which flew one patient to hospital.

A spokesman said: "One patient was taken directly from scene by the helicopter to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

"Three patients were transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, with a further patient taken to Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin and a child transferred to Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital."

Police Scotland's sergeant Peter Henderson thanked motorists for their patience on Friday morning.

"We would urge anyone who was in the area last night leading up to the incident to please get in touch as our enquiries at the scene continue," he said.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident at this very sad time."

Local diversions are in place while police investigate the cause of the collision.

Huntly drivers can take the A920 to Dufftown then onto A941 to the A95 at Craigllachie and follow it on to Keith to rejoin the A96.