Crash site of Air Algerie palne in north Mali

Initial evidence taken from the remote crash site indicates that the aircraft broke apart when it smashed to the ground early on Thursday morning, making an attack appear unlikely.

The death toll of 118 includes 54 French citizens.

French President Francois Hollande said on Friday that the first of the black box recorders had been found and would be analysed. Hollande plans to meet family members of victims later on Saturday.