A one-year-old girl has died after she was hit by a Land Rover in a "tragic accident" in Scotland last night.

At around 7.45pm on Wednesday, emergency services were dispatched to a car park outside Plymouth Brethren Christian Church on Elgie Road in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire - but were unable to save the toddler.

The Land Rover was the only vehicle involved in the incident, police said.

Paramedics attended the scene and the child - who was not in a vehicle - was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but she was pronounced dead a short time later.

The 40-year-old man who was driving the Land Rover was not injured in the accident.

Road policing officers are investigating and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Inspector Scott Deans said: "At this time, our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, along with everyone else affected by this tragic incident.

"Our investigation into the circumstances remain ongoing and we'd like to thank the wider Balmedie community for their patience and understanding as officers carry out their inquiries in the area."

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Plymouth Brethren Church thanked emergency services, describing them as "very professional and compassionate" in their response to the incident.

In a statement, the church said: "We are a very supportive church, and we are giving the family and friends of the people involved in the accident the help they need."

Speaking to BBC Scotland News, the church said the baby was part of its "vibrant local community", adding that the accident happened after a bible reading.

While Aberdeenshire councillor for Mid Formartine, Andrew Hassan, said the death was a "tragic accident" which had affected the whole community.

"It wasn’t just the family that would have been leaving the church, it would have been the church congregation.

"It will be deeply felt by them all."

Police have asked members of the public with any information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 3390 of May 15.