Garda probe begins into car driving off pier which kills 5

Gardai will begin an investigation this morning into how five people including a number of children died after a vehicle went off a pier in Co Donegal.

The exact circumstances of how the Audi Q7 jeep, believed to have a Northern Ireland registration plate, are unknown at this stage.

Witnesses have described the scene as chaotic and a major tragedy.

It is understood six people, believed to be from Derry, were in the vehicle when it went into the water at Buncrana shortly after 7pm.

A major search operation was launched and included the rescue helicopter from Sligo, lifeboats from Lough Swilly and Greencastle and a number of local fishing boats.

Gardai, ambulances and fire brigades also rushed to the scene as efforts to save those trapped inside the car got under way.

Five bodies were recovered from the water. A baby was rescued alive and has been taken to hospital in Letterkenny.

There are unconfirmed reports that the baby was handed out a window to rescuers while the other children are thought to be of primary school age.

A garda spokesman said: "Gardaí and emergency services are at the scene of an incident that occurred at Buncrana Pier this evening.

"A car entered the water and a search of the area is currently ongoing.

"No further information at present."