An oil spill has been reported from a North Sea platform off the coast of Shetland.

Around 23 tonnes of crude oil discharged from the Tern platform, off the Shetland coast, on Tuesday afternoon.

A spokesman from TAQA Bratani, which owns the platform, said the leak was the result of a "temporary upset in the production process whilst cleaning up a new well".

The Department for Energy and Climate Change, and Marine Scotland, were contacted about the leak, which occurred around 300 miles from Aberdeen.

A Marine Scotland spokesman said: "There is no ongoing leakage or further issue as far as we understand.

"Due to the remote location of the rig, and the fact it was very rough weather at the time, we understand the oil dispersed quickly.

"We do not believe there are any environmental concerns at this time."

Derek Howden, TAQA health, safety, and environment manager, said: "We immediately put into action our response plan which outlines the steps to be taken in the case of any hydrocarbon release.

"In close cooperation with DECC it was agreed that the best action, with the least impact on the environment, was to let the oil disperse naturally rather than using a dispersant.

"This strategy was successful and the oil has since dispersed. TAQA immediately set up an investigation team to learn the lessons and prevent recurrence."