Tributes have been paid to those who have lost their lives in the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria by council leaders.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty, along with Labour group co-leaders Carmen Appich and John Allcock and Conservative group leader Steve Bell, urged the public to show solidarity with those affected by the tragedy and encouraged people to donate what they can to the UK Disasters Emergency Committee.

In a joint statement on behalf of the council and the city, they said: “We want to express our deep sorrow for the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

"The colossal loss of life is truly shocking and will leave long-lasting pain.

“Our thoughts are with the Turkish and Syrian people and all those delivering the emergency response at this tragic time.

“We also stand with Brighton and Hove’s Turkish and Syrian communities who will inevitably be watching developments with considerable anxiety about their loved ones.

“Since 2015, the city has proudly welcomed refugees from the ongoing war in Syria.

"The city council is particularly mindful of Syrians whose families are in areas devastated by the earthquake but where aid agencies are facing extra challenges.

“There is an urgent need to provide support to those affected and at this time we ask everyone to demonstrate our solidarity and help.”

A magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 quake struck nine hours apart in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria last week.

More than 30,000 people have been killed in the disaster, with the death toll expected to rise considerably as search teams find more bodies.

Survivors from the tragedy have been reportedly waiting in front of collapsed buildings for the bodies of their loved ones to be retrieved,

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal to help those affected by the earthquakes has raised more than £60 million, including £5 million from the UK government.

Saleh Saeed, chief executive of the DEC said: “The support across stadiums, high streets and community is a testament to the compassion and generosity of the UK public, and we’re incredibly grateful.”

Donations to the appeal can be made online at donation.dec.org.uk.