Peru plane crash survivors found

Rescuers have found several survivors, a day after a plane with up to 20 people on board crashed in Peru's eastern Amazon jungle, reports say.

The twin-engine air force plane disappeared from radar screens shortly after taking off from the town of Orellana in the region of Loreto.

Officials said rescue helicopters spotted a fire started by the survivors in a clearing.

The plane was part of a service connecting remote communities.

The Twin Otter air force plane was reported missing on Thursday evening after taking off from Orellana some 580km (360 miles) north-east of the capital, Lima.

Officials said low clouds and heavy rain were hindering rescue efforts, but on Friday helicopter teams managed to reach eight survivors, guided to their location by a fire.

The search for the rest of those on board was reported to be continuing.