A Scottish couple have died in a bus crash while on a holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mohammad and Talat Aslam from Newlands in Glasgow were killed in the road crash as they made their way back to Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Members of their family have been informed by Saudi Arabian authorities the driver of the bus fell asleep at the wheel during the smash.

The husband and wife had completed their pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca on Wednesday when the fatal collision happened.

Four members of a family from Manchester, who Mr and Mrs Aslam were friends with, including a baby boy, also died in the minibus crash.

They have been named locally as Mohammed Khursheed and his wife, Noshina Ahmed, their two-month-old grandson Adam Anis and Mrs Ahmed's sister Rabia.

Mr Aslam, 72, and his 62-year-old wife Talat had five children. The pair are listed as directors of Universal Investments (Scotland) Limited, which rents and operates housing association properties.

The minibus was carrying a group of 12 people and the Foreign Office has confirmed "several" other Britons were injured in the smash.

A statement from Glasgow Central Mosque said: "Mr Mohammad Aslam and Mrs Talat Aslam, of Newlands, Glasgow, the parents of Shehla, Saba, Omar, Osman and Haroon, have returned to the mercy of Allah.

"On Wednesday, January 18, they had just completed Umrah and were travelling in a minibus to visit our beloved Prophet's Masjid in Madina. Tragically they were involved in a fatal accident.

"Four members of another family from Manchester were also killed in this tragedy. May Allah (swt) grant them all a high place in Jannah"

Tributes from family members have been posted online in memory of the couple, with one relative saying: "So shocked, she was always so full of life.

"Sadly Aunty Talat Aslam and Uncle Aslam have left this world."

Another stated: "This has put a dagger through my heart and I am still shell-shocked from the second I came to know of this horrendous news.

"My aunt was the heart of our family. So enthusiastic and a source for radiation of joy and happiness. A true gem embedded into our family.

"Her words sparkled in every gathering in which she took part. To lose her is one of the most agonising feelings in my life."

A Foreign Office spokesman: "We are supporting the families of six British people who have sadly died following a road accident in Saudi Arabia.

"We are also helping several more British nationals who were injured in the crash. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this very difficult time."

The tour bus operators also offered their condolences to the families of those affected.

Mohammad Arif, of Haji Tours, said: "We are sharing our sorrow with the family affected. We hope God forgives them and gives them the best place possible in paradise.

"We share our grief with them and give them courage at this terrible time."

Stewart McDonald MP for Glasgow South offered his condolences to the Aslam family.

He said: "Very sorry to hear of the death of two of my constituents, Mohammad and Talat Aslam, whilst on their pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

"I'm in touch with the Foreign Office to ensure that their family are being given all the assistance they need.

"I'm sure fellow southsiders will want to send their sympathies and best wishes to the family at this incredibly sad and difficult time."

It is understood moves are under way to ensure members of the Aslam family based in Glasgow will have visas as soon as possible to travel out to Saudi Arabia.