Emergency services launched a rescue operation and removed two empty cars that plunged into the sea at a popular beauty spot. 

The two Ford Focus cars, which were unoccupied, were spotted by a walker just before 7am at West Shore Road in the Granton area of Edinburgh. 

Police Scotland said they did not know how the cars ended up in the water but confirmed nobody had been hurt. 

They said no one was inside the cars at the time of the incident which became more visible as the tide retreated. 

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident." 

Witness to the aftermath Chrissy Hughes saw two cars smash through a wall and into the water. 

He said: "Two cars smashed through the wall at gypsy brae floating aboot [about] in the water, bizzys [police] n that everywhere." 

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police in Edinburgh responded along with other emergency services to West Shore Road at around 6.55 a.m. following a report of a car within the water. 

"Upon arrival it was established that two vehicles were in the water and efforts are continuing to recover them. 

"Inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident."