A fundraiser has been launched for the family of a 12-year-old girl who tragically died in a Scots river last night.
Emergency services raced to the River Leven in Balloch at around 6.45pm on Sunday after reports of three youngsters in difficulty in the water near Balloch Bridge.
The body of Ava Gray, from Alexandria, was recovered in the West Dunbartonshire town at round 9.45pm.
The other two youths, a boy and a girl, managed to get themselves out of the water.
Devastated friends and family have been paying tribute to the talented freestyle dancer following her death.
Mum Leanne Rae paid tribute to her daughter in a heartbreaking post on social media, alongside a picture of her in a dancing leotard reading: “My dancing angel queen. I love you so much baby girl. I don’t know what I will do without you.
“You are now the brightest star in the sky.”
Heartbroken dance teacher Holly Douglas, who hailed Ava as her "dancing angel", has now set up an online crowdfunder in her memory.
Most Read
She said: "Our gorgeous angel Ava Gray tragically died in a horrible accident in the River Leven in Balloch.
"We are all absolutely heartbroken and devastated, words cannot even describe our feelings.
"Ava was the funniest most crazy girl at our dance school and she never failed to make me laugh and smile. I am writing as Ava’s dance teacher that you please please help to raise some money for Ava’s family at this awful time.
"Leanne, jamie and all family I love you all so so much."
The fundraiser has raised more than £2,170 pounds in just a few hours.
Top news stories today
Last night's tragedy unfolded as police were called to reports of a youngster in difficulty in the river.
Helicopters were spotted above Balloch, a popular beauty spot at the foot of Loch Lomond, for around three hours during the search operation.
Don’t miss
But sadly her body was discovered at around 9.45pm by rescuers.
Shocked locals across the West Dunbartonshire area have been left heartbroken by the horror incident.
One friend wrote: "Aw Ava. We are all heartbroken.
"You were a beautiful wee dancer and a beautiful, kind and lovely girl.
"Sleep tight wee angel.
"Forever in our hearts and minds."
West Dunbartonshire Police, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency all confirmed they were involved in the search and asked the public to avoid the area.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 12-year-old girl has died after getting into difficulty in the River Leven on Sunday, 9 August, 2020.
"Around 6:45pm, officers received a report that three young people had got into difficulty in the River Leven, near Balloch Bridge.
"Emergency services attended and a search and rescue operation was launched. Two of the youths, one boy and one girl, managed to get themselves out of the water.
"Around 9:45pm that night, the 12-year-old-girl was recovered from the water and pronounced dead at the scene.
"She can be named as Ava Gray from Alexandria . Her relatives are aware."
There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.