An eight-year-old boy has died tonight after being struck by a crane while cycling on one of Aberdeen's busiest roads.

The youngster, who has not yet been named, was treated at the scene of the accident on the Great Northern Road at about 7.34pm.

He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he died from his injuries.

The road was closed between the junction with the A90 and the roundabout junction with St Machar Drive as police began an investigation into the tragedy and issued an appeal for witnesses.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We can confirm there has been one fatality following a one vehicle road traffic collision on Great Northern Road, Aberdeen.

"The collision occurred at about 7.34pm today and an eight year old boy was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and he has sadly succumbed to his injuries.

"The road is currently closed between the Great Northern Road junction with the A90 and the roundabout junction with St Machar Drive. The road is expected to be closed for some time."

The force appealed for any witnesses to the tragedy to come forward by contacting Police Scotland on 101.