The Metropolitan Police is appealing for people to send them footage or photos of the “terrorist attacks” in southern Israel after UK nations were confirmed to be among the dead.

The force said the appeal is directed at anyone who may have returned from the country in the past few days.

There may also be people who have friends, relatives or loved ones in Israel and have been “sent direct messages, images or videos”, it said.

“UK policing also has a role in assisting with any repatriation of their loved ones back to the UK,” it said in a statement. 

“In addition, we have started gathering information that may assist any subsequent coronial process.”

Virgin Atlantic suspends flights to Tel Aviv for next 72 hours

Virgin Atlantic has suspended flights to Tel Aviv for the next 72 hours, saying the safety of its crews and customers is its “number one priority”. 

The decision comes after British Airways was forced to divert a flight due to security concerns. 

A short while later, Hamas confirmed it had struck the airport the plane was heading to. 

“After careful consideration, based on latest information, we have taken the decision to pause flying to and from Tel Aviv for the next 72 hours,” Virgin Atlantic said. 

“As the dynamic situation evolves, we’ll keep our flying programme under constant review.”