A firefighter was killed as his engine crashed responding to an emergency call from a primary school.

Four other crewmen were also injured in the accident.

The call-out was later found to be a false alarm.

John Noble died when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree in Clackmannanshire.

The Alloa-based engine had been called to Strathdevon Primary School in Dollar after a smoke alarm activated.

Another firefighter, Alan Robertson, was seriously injured in the crash, which happened near Tillicoultry around 1.30pm yesterday.

He was airlifted to Glasgow's Southern General Hospital. Three other crew suffered minor injuries and are being treated at Stirling Royal Infirmary.

An investigation into the crash is under way.

Mr Noble, 46, from Alloa, had more than 20 years' experience as a firefighter. He leaves a wife and two children.

Firefighters from another station were sent to the scene of the crash and had the harrowing task of removing casualties from the wreckage.

Colleagues expressed their shock and sadness at news of the "experienced and popular" firefighter's death.

Chief Fire Officer Steven Torrie said: "We are all absolutely devastated by this loss.

"The thoughts of every single member of this service are with the firefighter's family and the families of our injured colleagues - this is a tragic day for our service."

Stuart Wilson, a divisional officer with the Fire Brigades Union, said he and his colleagues had been shocked by the news.

He added: "It is something which has hit us hard. When we heard the news it was chilling to think one of our comrades had been involved.

"There are risks with the job, and unfortunately this is one of them. It does not make it any easier."

Jim Wallace, one of the directors of the rescue service, said: "Mr Noble was an experienced and popular firefighter and individual.

"He'll be sadly missed in what is a very small, close-knit organisation."