A four-year-old boy was among five people killed in a crash between a minibus and a car on the A96 in Moray.

The collision between a white Fiat Talento minibus, which was carrying Italian tourists, and a Nissan X-Trail happened shortly before midnight on Thursday near Keith.

Two women, aged 69 and 70, and a 63-year-old man, who were travelling within the orange Nissan X-Trail, all died from their injuries.

The 39-year-old female driver sustained serious injuries and is being treated at Dr Grays.

Everyone in this car was local to the area.

Two passengers of the minibus, a woman and a four-year-old boy, have also died.

The male driver, a male passenger, female passenger and a three-year-old boy, who were also in the minibus, were taken to hospital with a variety of injuries.

The woman is considered to be in a critical condition and is being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

The little boy sustained minor injuries.

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.

Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: "The dreadful scene faced by the emergency responders was both distressing and extremely challenging for everyone involved.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made valiant attempts to save the casualties lives - their efforts cannot be underestimated.

"I would also like to thank members of the public who came upon this terrible incident, who phoned the emergency services and provided first aid and comfort.

"Every loss of life on our roads is a tragedy however when so many are killed in one incident the impact on their families, their friends and our entire community is massive.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who has been involved or affected.

"An investigation is ongoing into the exact circumstances so it would wrong for me to speculate further at this time and I am unable to answer questions regarding details of what may have happened.

"I would however ask anyone who was in the area last night and saw either vehicle involved in the lead-up to this incident to please contact the police on 101.

"Likewise, if you have dashcam footage that may assist please get in touch with us."