Rescuers from the Isle of Wight searching for survivors of an explosion at a tower block in Jersey no longer expect to find anyone alive.
The South West Hazardous Area Response Team, together with an urban search and rescue team from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, were deployed to assist.
Robin Smith, chief of police, said:
"It is with sadness that I am confirming that the search and rescue operation had been moved to a recovery operation.”
Three people are confirmed to have died in the explosion on Saturday morning and around a dozen are still missing.
Firefighters, specialist rescue teams and dogs worked through the night to find survivors in the debris of the block in St Helier.
The extent of the devastation was evident in video footage posted to Twitter by the Jersey government, which showed piles of rubble, crushed cars and a blown-out window in a neighbouring building.
Police described the scene at Haut du Mont on Pier Road as one of "utter devastation".
Mr Smith said that the tower block had "completely collapsed" and "doesn't even look like a building" after the "very, very significant explosion".
'Too early to speculate' about cause
The fire service was called to the building at around 8.30pm on Friday night, hours before the blast, after residents reported smelling gas.
When asked what could cause such a "ferocious" explosion, Paul Brown, the chief fire officer, said there were "many different potential causes", but it was too early to speculate.
Residents who lived in the flats have been moved to St Helier Town Hall, where they continue to be supported.
Dominic Raab, the deputy prime minister, tweeted that he was "deeply saddened" by the incident and commended the work of the emergency services response, adding: "We stand ready to support in any way we can."
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
Top Marks For Gurnard Primary Playground Project
Marathon Runners Raising Funds For Isle Of Wight Youth Trust As Part Of Mental Health Awareness Week
Body Of Man In 40s Discovered Following Brighstone Fire
Food And Fuel Support Extended For Island Families In Need
Hovertravel Releases More Than 60 Late Flights For July And August
