Greece wildfires: At least 50 killed near Athens, officials say

At least 50 people have died and scores more have been injured as wildfires tore through woodland and villages around the Greek capital, Athens, officials said.

The death toll rose sharply on Tuesday after 26 bodies were found near the harbour town of Rafina, according to Red Cross workers and the region's vice mayor, Girgos Kokkolis.

The authorities had previously announced 24 deaths.

Greek health officials could not immediately confirm the higher death toll as the bodies had not yet reached hospitals. A senior fire brigade official said on Tuesday morning he could confirm that at least 49 people had been killed.

According to officials, more than 150 people have been injured in the fires, which damaged structures, disrupted major transport links and sent people fleeing their homes.