Three Britons killed in Iran plane crash
Officials believe a fire may have started in one of the plane's engines.
Three British people have died after a Ukrainian passenger plane crashed moments after take off from Iran.
Officials say all 167 passengers and nine crew on the Boeing 737 flight from Tehran to Kiev were killed minutes after the flight departed at 6.10am local time on Wednesday.
But Qassem Biniaz, a spokesman for Iran's Road and Transportation Ministry, said it appeared that a fire had started in one of the plane's engines.
The pilot then lost control of the plane, sending it crashing into the ground, Mr Biniaz said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 people from the Ukraine, nine of whom were crew members, 10 Swedes, four Afghans and three Germans were on board the flight along with three Britons, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said.
He said: "Terrible news about the plane crash in Tehran. My sincere condolences to the families of the dead.''
Rescue crews said they did not expect to find survivors.
The airline said it had suspended flights to Tehran until further notice.
A spokesman said: "Today, on 8th January, a Ukraine International Airlines aircraft while operating flight PS752 from Tehran to Kyiv disappeared from the radars a few minutes after departure from Tehran International Airport.
"According to preliminary data, there were 167 passengers and 9 crew members on board.
"UIA representatives are currently clarifying the exact number of passengers on board.
"The airline expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the air crash and will do everything possible to support the relatives of the victims.
"With immediate effect, UIA has decided to suspend its flights to Tehran until further notice.''
The crash comes amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf following the killing last week of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by the US.