UK swelters under extreme heat and wildfires

The UK experienced its hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 38.1°C, leading to widespread wildfires that destroyed homes in the West Midlands and forced evacuations.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham banned disposable barbecues and called in the military to help combat the fires, which he described as 'apocalyptic' in some areas.

Hundreds of firefighters battled blazes across the country, with 54 people treated for injuries in the West Midlands alone.

The heatwave also caused train derailments and put immense pressure on the NHS.