BATTLE AGAINST BLAZES AS SOUTHERN EUROPE IS SCORCHED

WILDFIRES have torn across southern Europe where firefighters battled to protect lives, homes and livelihoods from the savage flames.

- By Jon King

Scores of people have been killed, including 18 in Turkey.

The blazes have come amid record temperatures, with a high of 43C in the south of France.

Crews and locals worked overnight on Tuesday to protect Patras as fires tore through olive groves near the Greek city.