Police Scotland have encouraged members of the public to 'be prepared' for an emergency by packing a so-called Grab Bag.

As part of September's Preparedness Month, emergency services across the UK shared the #30Days30WaysUK and #BePrepared hashtags along with advice on how to pack the bags.

On Sunday, the police tweeted out a graphic of a rucksack filled with essential items, adding that "emergencies can happen at any time".

"September is preparedness month. Emergencies can happen at any time and it's recommended to have a #GrabBag ready containing essential items including medication, copies of important documents, food/water, torch, radio and other personal items #30Days30WaysUK #BePrepared"

According to Police Scotland, items that should be packed in a bag in case of emergencies include a first aid kit, torch, batteries, a whistle and an emergency plan.

The tweet also suggested that people pack copies of important documents, medication, food and water as well as seasonal clothing.

Since tweeting about the Grab Bag on Sunday morning, Police Scotland have been accused of scaremongering by Twitter users, with one adding that the cryptic nature of the tweet could lead to 'mass panic'.

Another Twitter user questioned what kind of emergency Police were anticipating.

However, one person said having an emergency plan was a good idea.

In response to the Grab Bag initiative, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "The messaging is part of a general resilience awareness campaign that runs each year during September which emergency services and partners across Britain are taking part in."