Japan rescuers return to Britain

UK firefighters are set to fly home from Japan after their search for survivors proved unsuccessful.

Despite an extensive search of residential and industrial properties in Kamaishi, the team, led by Royton firefighter Peter Stevenson, didn’t find anyone.

Earlier this week, the team completed a search of Ofunato where several bodies, but no survivors, were found.

Heavy snow and falling temperatures a week after the disaster struck mean the chances of finding survivors is now extremely low.

Following discussions with the Japanese disaster authorities, the UK team and their US counterparts agreed not to extend their rescue operations.

The team are fit and well and are continuing to monitor radiation levels even though none has been detected in their search area.

Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development, said: “We are all extremely proud of the work of the UK Fire and Rescue Team. Sadly, the chance of them finding survivors is now extremely low and so their specialist skills are no longer necessary in Japan.”