New Zealand volcano: Five dead and eight missing with 'no signs of life'

New Zealand police have announced a criminal investigation into the deaths and injuries after a volcanic explosion on White Island.

Five people are confirmed dead and eight are still missing on the island, with police saying they are likely to be dead.

Police are "unsure" what state the bodies are in, saying they are likely "covered in ash".

The volcano erupted on Monday with visitors at the popular attraction.

Thirty-four people were rescued, with most of them still receiving treatment in hospital. Doctors treating them have said some of their burns are so severe they may not survive.

The tourist attraction remains too dangerous to access, but reconnaissance flights conducted earlier on Tuesday saw no survivors.

Among those hit by the eruption are people from New Zealand, Australia, Germany, China, Malaysia, the US and the UK, according to police.