Following this week's tragic events - and as the search continues at the site of a major explosion - islanders have gathered to light candles for those affected.

The Town Church in St Helier opened its doors on Saturday evening (10 December) to invite islanders to join in prayer and reflection for those who have died and are missing.

A short time earlier, the authorities had confirmed that three people were known to have been killed in an explosion at Haut du Mont flats on Pier Road and up to a dozen remain unaccounted for.

It is the second tragedy to rock the community in a matter of days, following a collision at sea on Thursday morning with the loss of three fishermen.

Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore spoke of the 'dark time' islanders are facing:

"This has been a difficult and most challenging week for our island.  We have faced two tragedies and the cost of lives of friends, colleagues and family members.

We must all call on our collective strength as an island community to come together and support all of those affected in this dark time.

I hope that many of you will join in a period of reflection  - a quiet moment this evening - to remember those that we have lost."

Among those at he Scarlett Camacho, St. Helier's Junior Ambassador says it is something no one wants to go through.

The Bailiff, Sir Tim Le Cocq was among those to attend the church, saying it was 'an opportunity and to hold in our thoughts the families and first responders who have taken part in or been affected by this incident.'

Also there with her family was St Helier's Junior Ambassador Scarlett Camacho

"I feel really sad, especially for those families who are suffering a lot, because it's not something you want to go through."