Brazil plane search in fourth day

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The hunt for a plane containing four British businessmen and two local pilots which crashed in Brazil has continued for a fourth day.

Teams from the air force and police plus volunteers are searching 155 sq miles (400 km sq) of jungle and sea in the north-east of the country.

The Cessna 310 last made contact with air traffic controllers just before it was due to land in Ilheus on the coast.

Sources said extra resources could be called in to find the aircraft.

Nigel Hodges, 52, Alan Kempson, 46, Sean Woodhall, 43, and Ricky Every, 41, were travelling from Salvador to Ilheus as part of a trip to consider a proposed housing development planned by Worldwide Destinations.

A spokeswoman from the Foreign Office said: "We are still in contact with our consular colleagues on the ground.

"The search resumed at first light this morning and is still ongoing."

Entrepreneur Mr Woodhall, a Swiss resident, is the president of the company, according to Michael Lynn, a long-time friend and colleague.

Mr Lynn said: "Everybody is hoping that there will be a positive outcome. We have to stay positive but it has been a long time now. It is very concerning indeed."

Mr Hodges, of North Petherton, Somerset, is the only one of the four who lives in the UK.

His family said: "We remain positive and eagerly await news of Nigel's well-being and look forward to his safe return."