A male motorist and his female passengers have died in a car crash and another man left with serious injuries

They were in one of two vehicles involved in the collision on the A952 Mintlaw to Fraserburgh Road in Aberdeenshire tonight.

The male driver of the other vehicle was taken by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he is being treated for serious injuries.

Police said there were no further casualties involved.

The vehicles involved were a red Vauxhall Corsa and a white Vauxhall Corsa van.

The road remains closed to enable collision investigators to carry out a detailed examination of the scene.

Police Scotland Road Policing Sergeant Pirie stated, "obviously our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of those involved at this terrible time, and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed either of the vehicles being driven near the locus about the time to come forward.

"I am keen to establish the full facts and circumstances to identify the cause of this tragedy".