France has seen temperatures touch 40C across nearly half the country since the current heatwave began, while the United Kingdom has recorded its hottest June day on record, as an intense spell of extreme weather grips large parts of Europe and prompts fresh warnings about the growing risks posed by climate change.

Rail services, schools and sports events hit, with deaths of three elderly people in France partly blamed on intense heat

Europe faces record-breaking heatwave as temperatures soar past 40C, forcing school closures, travel disruption and urgent health warnings across the continent.