Two Britons die in 2,500ft plunge on Mont Blanc

Two British climbers have fallen more than 2,500ft to their deaths on Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc.

The men, aged 22 and 24, were scaling the Aiguille Du Midi, one of the most challenging climbs in the French Alps.

They were only 500ft from the summit when pitons securing their safety ropes face gave way and they fell on to rocks and ice below in the tragedy on Friday. Two other climbers nearby alerted the rescue service, who sent a helicopter.

Families of the men - who were staying in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc - have been informed.

Two Swiss climbers also died on the same mountain the following morning. Robbie Cammack, 19, an Edinburgh University student, died on Mont Blanc three weeks ago.