A major search operation has been launched at a loch in Orkney for two missing fishermen.

Police officers were joined by a coastguard helicopter to search the area around Loch of Boardhouse near Birsay after concerns were raised for two men who were believed to be fishing there.

Police said the received a call on Wednesday at 11.30am about the two men, who are thought to have left an address in Dounby to fish on the loch.

Searches of the area began this afternoon involving police, fire and rescue teams, coastguard personnel and members of the public.

A police spokesperson said they were in the process of speaking to the men's families.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said: "At about 1pm today, Police Scotland requested UK Coastguard assistance in the search for two missing people in the Birsay area of north-west mainland Orkney, Scotland.

"Kirkwall, Stromness and St Margaret's Hope Coastguard Rescue Teams have been sent to assist in the search.

"UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh carried out an extensive search of the area and has now been stood down.

"The Coastguard Rescue Teams remain on scene."