Two Britons confirmed dead in New Zealand earthquake

TWO Britons died in the earthquake which ripped through Christchurch in New Zealand, the Foreign Office said today.

The announcement came as the rescue operation in Christchurch became one of body recovery and hopes of finding any survivors faded.

An Irishman, psychiatric nurse Eoin McKenna, is already among the known victims of the quake.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of two British fatalities. Next of kin have been informed and we are providing consular assistance to them."