Russian plane crash: Results of Black Box data show Russian plane crashed following an 'explosion', French media claim

Airbus A321, carrying 217 passengers and seven crew members, came down in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula on Saturday

The plane's wreckage is examined by investigators (AFP/Getty)

​Here are the latest updates:

• Analysis of Black Box data shows Russian plane crashed following an 'explosion', French media claim
• Emergency flights sent to rescue stranded British tourists 'diverted' from Sharm el-Sheikh
• 8 EasyJet flights cancelled by Egyptian authorities
• Efforts to return British tourists from Sharm el-Sheikh descend into chaos
• Putin endorses security chief's recommendation to stop all flights to Egypt
• UK investigators claim bomb in hold was responsible
• Putin accuses UK of 'not sharing information'
• Obama says there is ‘possibility’ plane crash caused by bomb
• David Cameron did not inform President al-Sisi of his decision to ground all flights
• Q & A: What do the latest developments mean for travellers
• Analysis: What will Putin do next if Isis brought down jet?

British tourists prepared to fly home from Egypt as UK investigators said they believe the Airbus A321 may have been brought down by a bomb in the luggage hold.

Holiday-makers, who had been stranded in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for two days, will begin flying home – minus their luggage – on Friday.

It follows information gathered by British security services that indicates an explosive device, planted in the hold either on top or inside baggage, may be responsible for bringing the plane down.

The Airbus A321, carrying 217 passengers and seven crew members, came down in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula on Saturday.

Isis claimed responsibility for the crash immediately following the incident, later releasing a number of audio clips through social media users. Authorities have declined to confirm or deny the possibility the attack was orchestrated by the militant group.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLouglin refused to comment on information Isis may have been responsible for the plane’s crash, during an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Friday.