PM offers 'thoughts and prayers' to families of those killed in Mecca's Grand Mosque crane disaster

Prime Minister David Cameron offered his "thoughts and prayers" to the families of those killed when a giant construction crane collapsed at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

At least 107 people died and 238 were injured in yesterday's disaster, which comes ahead of the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Islam's holiest site, in Saudi Arabia, later this month.

The Foreign Office said it was working with Saudi authorities as they attempt to identify the victims, whose nationalities remain unknown.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said: "I'm shocked and saddened to hear of the accident in Mecca involving a large number of fatalities amongst those attending the Hajj. My thoughts are with the families of those affected."

The Saudi government said the accident happened during a severe storm carrying strong winds and heavy rain.

The crane was among several being used to expand the area around the mosque to allow it to accommodate millions of Muslims from across the globe who travel to worship there during the pilgrimage.

Mecca's significance in Islam is such that Muslims pray towards it every day.