Oil rig 'security alert'

Over 500 people are being evacuated from a North Sea oil rig after a security alert, according to reports.

The incident triggering the alert occurred shortly after 09:00 this morning. RAF Kinloss squadron leader Barry Neilson told BBC News 24 the operation was "unusual" and involved a woman.

Civilians on the rig are being airlifted by around 13 helicopters to a nearby rig, it is understood.

According to the Press Association news agency the rig involved is the Safe Scandinavia, which is run by energy firm BP.

Neither Grampian police nor the Ministry of Defence were immediately available for comment.