Police dive teams are searching a north-east river for a man whose tractor was overturned by flood waters.

Emergency services, including a coastguard flood team were alerted of the incident at 8.35am at the Don Bridge in Kintore, Aberdeenshire.

It is understood the man, thought to be in his eighties, was attempting to cross a flood plane to tend to some stranded cows but was swept over by the water.

It is not known if he is still inside the vehicle.

Rescue teams say the water level is continuing to rise and have described the proceedings as a “dangerous operation”.

The Coastguard confirmed that Grampian Police requested assistance from their flood team in the search for the driver.

Police are advising that diversions are currently in place to allow emergency services access.