A six-year-old pupil who died alongside his mother following a rescue operation at Aberdeen beach has been described as a "lovely little boy" by his head teacher.

Lucas Walker, from the city, and his mother Julie Walker, 37, were part of a group which got into difficulty in the water on Saturday afternoon.

A major operation was launched, with five people pulled from the water and taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but Ms Walker and Lucas later died in hospital.

READ MORE: 'Heroic efforts' failed to save Scots mother and young son from waves

Lucas had recently started primary three at Bramble Brae School in the Northfield area of Aberdeen.

Head teacher Amanda Murray said everybody was in shock following the tragedy.

In a statement released via Aberdeen City Council, she said: "Pupils, teachers and the wider school community are deeply saddened and in a state of shock following the dreadful news of Lucas's and his mum's tragic deaths at the weekend.

READ MORE: 'Heroic efforts' failed to save Scots mother and young son from waves

"Lucas, who had just started primary three, was a lovely little boy who was popular amongst his classmates and staff at the school.

"On behalf of everyone at Bramble Brae School, we would like to express our deepest condolences to Lucas's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."

Pupils and staff at the school are being offered counselling and support following the incident.

Council leader Jenny Laing said the authority is working to support the family and Lucas's school friends.

READ MORE: 'Heroic efforts' failed to save Scots mother and young son from waves

A multi-agency review of the rescue and recovery work is being carried out.

Ms Laing said: "We will be working closely with partners over this sad and tragic event and our thoughts are with the family.

"As stated by Ross Greenhill, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's coastal operations area commander, Aberdeen beach is well served by both signage and life safety equipment at the beach.

"In addition to the coastguard review, the local resilience partnership, which includes the city council, will be carrying out a multi-agency review of the rescue and recovery efforts to ensure any lessons can be learnt."

READ MORE: 'Heroic efforts' failed to save Scots mother and young son from waves

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4.45pm on Saturday.

Lucas's brother, Samuel, "bravely" entered the water in an attempt to save his mother and brother and has been recovering since.

A 25-year-old woman and 28-year-old man were also taken to hospital and later discharged.

The ''heroic attempts'' by emergency services and members of the public to save the group while facing ''treacherous sea conditions'' have been hailed by police.