Schools have closed and rail services disrupted across Europe as a severe heatwave pushes temperatures above 40C. France has issued red alerts, shut schools and reported heat-related deaths, with forecasters warning conditions could worsen in coming days.

Much of Western Europe was sweltering in a gruelling heatwave on Friday with the mercury expected to continue rising in the coming days, shattering temperature records.

Much of Western Europe was baking in a gruelling heatwave on Friday with the mercury expected to continue rising in the coming days, shattering temperature records.