HAMPSHIRE firefighters have been called to Jersey after a large explosion.

A significant search operation is underway following the collapse of a block of flats in St Helier in the early hours of this morning.

One person has died and police on the island have confirmed a number of people are missing. 

According to Hampshire fire service, four members of the urban search and rescue team have been sent to carry out an initial assessment of the incident in Jersey, with the plan to send more "dependent on the assessment conclusions."

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Jersey Fire and Rescue said more pockets of fire have been discovered at the scene of the fatal explosion in St Helier.

In a statement, the service said: “As the search at Haut du Mont has progressed, pockets of fire have been discovered.

“The site remains highly unsafe.

“A South West hazardous area response team are on site and will be joined by an urban search and rescue team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.”

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