In pictures: Snow engulfs Europe

Europe is struggling to cope with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfalls that have caused a number of deaths.

Russia has been hardest hit, with temperatures plunging to -48C in some places

On the far east Russian island of Sakhalin, six people were killed in a violent snowstorm

Russian TV showed images of iced-up radiators and windows, as Sakhalin residents struggled to keep warm

At least six people have died in weather-related accidents in Germany

In Berlin, children were able to play on the frozen lake in front of Charlottenburg Castle

A rare cold snap hit southern France this week, affecting road and air travel

Snow could be seen on the hills to the south of Dublin behind the clock tower of the Museum of Modern Art