A man has died after being pulled from the sea.

Peter Trudgill, 43, was recovered from the water off the north-east coast at Stonehaven on Saturday.

He was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he died in the early hours today, Police Scotland said.

The rescue operation began after emergency services were called at about 3pm.

Two members of the public helped a police officer to get the man out of the water.

Mr Trudgill was from the Stonehaven area.

Inspector Inness Coull said: "Members of the emergency services faced treacherous conditions and the male had been in the water for some time before he was removed by a police officer and members of the public.

"I would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance."

Aberdeen Coastguard watch manager George Downie added: "We would urge members of the public to be extra careful along the shoreline and to avoid going into the water in bad weather.

"Even in shallow water it is easy to become overpowered by the strength of the sea."