Two climbers die after Ben Nevis avalanche

Two climbers have died and another two have been injured after an avalanche on Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain.

Police Scotland were alerted to the incident shortly after 11.50am on Tuesday and began co-ordinating a mountain rescue response.

The avalanche occurred at Number 5 Gully and police confirmed the casualties.

A spokesman said: "Police Scotland is currently co-ordinating a mountain rescue response following reports of an avalanche on Ben Nevis this morning.

"Police were informed that the avalanche had occurred in Number 5 Gully area at around 11:50am.

"We can sadly confirm that two people have died and two people have been injured.

"Volunteers from Lochaber and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Teams remain at the scene and were assisted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Scottish Ambulance Service.

"Further details will be released when available."

The Scottish Ambulance Service were also alerted to the incident shortly after 12.20pm and sent an air ambulance, three ambulances and a trauma team to the peak.

A spokesman said: "We received a call at 1222 hours today to attend an incident in Ben Nevis.

"We dispatched three ambulances, a Helimed resource and our trauma team to the scene."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was "absolutely tragic news".

She tweeted: "My thoughts are very much with the bereaved and injured. And my gratitude as always for the work of our emergency services, Mountain Rescue and Coastguard."