Europe braces for record June heatwave

Europe is facing a major heatwave, with temperatures expected to approach or pass 40C in several countries.

France has placed many areas under its highest heat alert. Some schools have been closed, and drinking alcohol in public has been banned in the worst-hit places.

President Emmanuel Macron urged people to look after older people, children and others at risk.

Spain cancelled a public screening of the Spain-Saudi Arabia World Cup match in central Madrid because of extreme heat.

Portugal expects temperatures of up to 42C, while Switzerland has warned of a severe heatwave lasting several days.

Heat alerts have also been issued in parts of the UK, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bosnia.

Scientists say climate change caused by human activity is making extreme heat more frequent and more intense.