At least two dead after explosion destroys building close to Acropolis in Athens

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The explosion happened in the central Plaka district of the Greek capital

At least two people have died, with a British national among four more missing, after an explosion destroyed a building housing a holiday rental property in the historic centre of Athens.

The blast happened in the Plaka area of the Greek capital, a neighbourhood close to tourist sites such as the Acropolis.

An American man and woman have died, with two more US tourists missing, AFP news agency reported citing local officials. A Greek national and UK national who lived in the building are also said to be missing.

Pictures from the scene showed emergency service workers searching through rubble, with a gas leak the suspected cause of the blast.