MH370 debris: France deploys search plane around Reunion as investigation into missing flight intensifies

France is to deploy a search plane, helicopters and boats as the search for the missing aircraft continues

Shortly after the disappearance of MH370, a number of suspects were questioned by Malaysia’s counter-terrorist force (Reuters)

The French government is to deploy a search plane, helicopters and boats around the Indian Ocean island of Reunion in a bid to find more clues in the disappearance of flight MH370.

News of the deployment comes amid conflicting statements between Malaysian officials and French authorities involved in the search mission.

Yesterday, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak stated that a wing fragment found on Reunion island was definitely linked to Flight MH370. However, French representatives would only say that it was likely or probable that it was linked.

Later in the day, Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said that French authorities were investigating further debris including a plane window and some aluminium foil. However, French officials said they were baffled by the announcement because they were not aware of any such material existing or being in their possession.

Liow has defended the government against criticisms that the search is becoming chaotic and disorganised between countries, telling press that the differences merely came down to: “a choice of words.”

It has been over 500 days since the flight vanished without a trace.

With additional reporting by AP