"Dangerous consequences" will ensue for public services if the Scottish Conservatives gain control of councils, the First Minister has claimed.

Nicola Sturgeon issued the warning as the SNP launched its local election manifesto.

Scots go to the polls on May 4 to elect councillors, little more than a month before the June 8 general election.

The SNP leader said: "These elections decide who is responsible for running your local services and will determine whether we invest in services or allow the Tories to extend their cuts agenda into the heart of local communities.

"SNP candidates are standing on a strong platform to deliver more free childcare, transform early learning, invest in and empower schools, build more affordable housing, devolve power to local communities and continue to support small businesses.

"SNP councils will work with the Scottish Government to back our headteachers, to boost our town centres and invest in city and regional deals that will support local economies and create jobs."

She added: "There are real and dangerous consequences if our vital local services fall into Tory hands.

"With Labour and the Lib Dems ready to sell out for even the slightest suggestion of power, voting for any other party risks seeing the Tories take over our town halls."

In response to the SNP leader's comments, Conservative chief whip John Lamont said: "These scare tactics from the First Minister won't fool anyone.

"The truth is that a vote for the Scottish Conservatives at this election will deliver a strong message to the SNP: we don't want your unwanted independence referendum, we want you to get on with the day job.

"And, after a decade of SNP centralisation, every vote for the Scottish Conservatives at this election is a vote to take power away from the SNP and back to your local community."

STV News has contacted Scottish Labour, the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens for comment.