At least 36 killed and hundreds missing after huge blaze at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district on Wednesday. Follow the latest updates live

• Full report: Death toll in Hong Kong tower block fire rises to 36 with 279 reported missing

• Bamboo scaffolding may be to blame for spread of Hong Kong tower block fire

Firefighters have received calls from trapped residents, but are battling difficult conditions

Firefighters have struggled to reach the upper floors of the high rise buildings, even after hours battling the blaze.

The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then, we’ll launch a thorough investigation.

Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings (is) falling down. The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. It’s difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.