Former NUFC star Christian Atsu reported to be among missing after Turkey earthquake

Newcastle united say they're "praying for some positive news" following reports former player, Christian Atsu, is among those trapped following devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 6th Feb 2023

Newcastle united say they're "praying for some positive news" following reports former player, Christian Atsu, is among those trapped following devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The winger, who also played for Chelsea and Everton, is now at Turkish side Hatayspor.

It's claimed club staff have been pulled from rubble, but that Atsu's missing.

He scored a winning goal for his team last night.

It comes as the UK is promising to send search-and-rescue support and equipment to Turkey, after the south-east of the country and northern Syria were rocked by an earthquake that has left more than 1,300 people dead.

As details of the earthquake emerged, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and many other world leaders said they were ready to offer any help required.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the Government would be "sending immediate support", with a team of 76 search-and-rescue specialists, equipment and four search dogs being sent to Turkey.

Mr Sunak tweeted earlier: "My thoughts are with the people of Turkiye and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake.

"The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can."

Hundreds of people are still believed to be trapped under rubble, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers searched the wreckage in cities and towns across the region.

On both sides of the border, residents jolted out of sleep by the pre-dawn quake rushed outside on a cold winter night, as buildings were flattened and strong aftershocks continued.

Rescue workers and residents in several cities searched for survivors, working through tangles of metal and giant piles of concrete. A hospital in Turkey also collapsed and patients, including newborn babies, were evacuated from a handful of facilities in Syria.

Hear all the latest news from across the North East on the hour, every hour, on 97.1FM, 103FM DAB, at metroradio.co.uk, and on the Metro Radio app.