News just in: the death toll has risen to nine in the Chamonix Avalanche earlier on today. The bodies of three British people have been found. Two Spaniards, one German and one Swiss national are also among the victims, two others have not been identified. And at least four people are still missing.

The avalanche happened as 28 climbers were roped together in several groups on Thursday morning. They are believed to have reached 13,120 ft when the avalanche hit without warning in fine weather conditions. One of the injured in the party made an emergency call when the avalanche hit without warning in fine weather conditions.

Rescue workers in helicopters and on foot, as well as dog teams, were searching today for the missing. A preliminary investigation suggested a climber may have stepped on an icy patch and set off the slide.

The French authorities described the avalanche as "the most deadly" in recent years. France's interior minister is expected to speak at a news conference in the area later on today.

Written and Presented by Ann Salter