Fears are growing for a 15-year-old boy swept away in a river near Edzell after the search for him reached its third day.
The teenager got into difficulty in the River North Esk near Gannochy Bridge, part of the popular Blue Door river walk, on Saturday.
A group of people who were with the boy raised the alarm at around 5.10pm.
Police were assisted over the weekend by coastguard teams from Aberdeen, Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven, along with a fire service water rescue unit.
Police confirmed on Monday morning they are continuing searches in the area.
Relatives and friends of the missing boy – who has not been named – have gathered close to the scene, but have declined to comment.
Gavin Nicoll, a councillor for the Brechin and Edzell ward, says the incident is an “absolute tragedy”.
He said: “It’s difficult to put into words how awful a situation this is.
‘It’s a very tragic situation’
“It’s soul-destroying for this lad’s family. I can’t begin to imagine how they must be feeling right now.
“The not knowing is dreadful – it’s just a very tragic situation.
“I’m very concerned the longer this goes on.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were made aware of a 15-year-old boy in difficulty in the water in the River North Esk near Gannochy Bridge, Edzell, around 5.10pm on Saturday.
“Emergency services remain in attendance and searches are ongoing.
“The boy’s next of kin are aware.”
