The most deadly avalanche in the Alps since 2008 has killed nine climbers and injured several others.

They
were swept away early on Thursday morning by the snow which fell down a
popular French mountain route near the Swiss border.

Rescuers have been searching for four people still missing.

Three Britons are among the dead. The other victims are three Germans, two Spaniards and one Swiss.

Thirty-eight climbers from several countries were attempting to scale Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak.

The avalanche struck at 4,000 metres on Mont Maudit, which means 'Cursed Mountain'.

May those who lost their lives rest in peace.