The parents of two-year-old twins who drowned at their home in Dalgety Bay have paid tribute to their “little soldiers”.
Two-year-olds Rhys and Shaun Scott were discovered in a giant fish tank on Saturday morning.
Ambulances raced to the detached property in Breakers Way at around 8.20am.
The boys were taken to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy but could not be saved.
Parents Mervyn Scott, 30, and Sarah Aitken, 32, have released a statement through Police Scotland.
It said: “We would like to thank everyone for their support at this unfortunate and difficult time. We have special thanks to all the medical staff, family, friends, neighbours and the police for their efforts, hard work and time spent helping and trying to revive our miracle babies.
“Both boys were long awaited little soldiers who were full of love, happiness, fun and cheek.
“Individually and together they have touched the lives of everyone they met.
“We along with our family and friends are still in shock and devastated at such a tragic loss from such a ‘freak’ accident. They have been taken from us far too early and will be forever missed and loved.
“We wish to be left alone and be given the privacy needed to grieve.”
Mr Scott’s aunt, actress Elizabeth Scott, said: “Have a heart for the two drowned twins found in Dalgety Bay and their parents and grandparents because those wee boys were my nephew’s sons.
“I’m completely devastated.”
A neighbour told The Courier: “My heart and thoughts go out to the family.
“It must be terrible.
“I think we need to respect what they are going through just now.”
People living nearby described how emergency vehicles descended on the quiet cul-de-sac.
A woman, who asked not to be named, said: “There were about three ambulances and seven police cars.
“They came screaming down the street.”
Dalgety Bay MSP Alex Rowley said: “This is awful news and is every parent’s worst nightmare.
“The loss of two young lives from the same family is just heart-breaking.
“My thoughts and prayers, and those of the whole community, are with the family.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We received a call on Saturday following a report of concern for two children at an address in Dalgety Bay, Fife.
“Two male twins, aged two, had reportedly drowned in a fish pond and officers attended with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“The children were taken to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy where they sadly died.
“Officers are supporting the family at this time. Inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing.”
Planning permission for the pond was granted in September 2012. It was installed at the time for keeping the ornamental fish Koi Carp.