Major rescue operation launched as two girls in difficulty near Scots beach

A major rescue operation is underway after two girls got into difficulty in the water near a Scottish beach on Thursday.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident near Edinburgh’s Portobello Beach at around 4.55pm.

Two Coastguard helicopters are assisting alongside rescue teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther.

Police officers are also in attendance.

The operation is ongoing.

A spokesperson from the Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is coordinating the response to a report made at about 4.55pm on May 28 of two girls in difficulty in the water off Portobello beach.

“Two HM Coastguard helicopters have been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and RNLI lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther.

“Police Scotland is attending.”