Europe endures deep freeze

The death toll from the vicious cold snap across Europe has risen to more than 260, with hundreds having to be rescued after a ferry caught in a snowstorm hit a breakwater off Italy.

Ukraine has suffered the heaviest toll with 122 deaths, including many who froze to death in the streets as temperatures plunged to as low as minus 38.1 degrees Celsius.

Airports were shut, flights and trains delayed, and highways gridlocked as emergency services raced to clear falling snow.