An Airbus 321 operated by Kogalymavia was involved in the accident

An Airbus A321 operated by Russian airline Kogalymavia has crashed in Egypt with the loss of all 224 people on board.

A statement from the Egyptian prime minister’s office confirmed the aircraft came down central Sinai earlier.

The plane had just departed the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, bound for the Russian city of St Petersburg.

Wreckage of the plane has been found in the Hassana area.

It disappeared from radar screens when travelling at 9,500 metres above sea level, Egyptian officials said.

Kogalymavia is based in western Siberia.

Russian authorities said the Airbus plane was carrying 217 passengers, 17 of them children, and seven crew.

Most are believed to be Russian tourists on a package holiday to the Red Sea resort.