New Zealand volcano eruption: Two British women among those injured as police say ‘no sign of life’ on White Island

Around 50 people were on island in Bay of Plenty when explosion happened

Volcanic eruption on New Zealand island: What we know so far

Two British women are among those injured by a volcanic eruption in New Zealand, which has left at least five people dead and 31 in hospital with several still missing.

There are also five people with a UK birthplace marked missing on a Red Cross list of missing persons, which is updated by the public rather than officials.

The UK’s high commissioner to New Zealand, Laura Clarke, said she and her colleagues were supporting the two women’s families and would do the same for “any other Brits who need our help”.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has said 47 people were estimated to be on White Island, in the Bay of Plenty, when the volcano blasted a huge plume of ash and steam into the air on Monday.

Police said that despite spotting “some people” on the island in daring aerial reconnaissance efforts since the blast, rescuers saw “no signs of life” at any point.

Official enquiries with tour companies suggest eight people are still unacounted for. Deputy commissioner John Tims told reporters rescue efforts would resume once conditions improve.

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Key Points

• At least five killed and up to 20 injured
• Emergency services cannot access island due to risks
• No survivors after blast, police believe

[9 December 2019 18:17 · Andy Gregory]

Jacinda Ardern and John Tims are giving a joint press release about the situation.

At least five have died, eight people are missing and 31 are in hospital, Ms Ardern said.

“It is now clear there were two groups on the island,” Ms Ardern said. “Those who were able to be evacuated, and those who were close to the eruption.”

[9 December 2019 18:42 · Andy Gregory]

“We can confirm that among those currently listed as missing or injured are New Zealanders who were part of the tour operation, and tourists from Australia, the United States, the UK, China and Malaysia," Ms Ardern says.

"That is to the best of our knowledge."

[9 December 2019 19:02 · Andy Gregory]

Boris Johnson has said he is in contact with Jacinda Ardern.

[9 December 2019 19:15 · Andy Gregory]

Police deputy commissioner John Tims tells reporters that “at this stage it is too difficult for police and rescue services to go to the island", which he says is currently covered in ash and volcanic material.

"However we continue to assess the conditions which would allow us to go onto the island. We are taking expert advice with regards to the safety of any rescue attempt."

[9 December 2019 19:40 · Andy Gregory]

Two British women are in hospital after being injured in eruption on White Island, the UK High Commissioner to New Zealand Laura Clarke has said, according to reports.

[9 December 2019 20:04 · Andy Gregory]

Here's the message from the UK's high commissioner confirming two British women are currently receiving treatment.

Police say enquiries with tour operators indicate that eight people are still unaccounted for.