Christchurch hit by earthquake

A car damaged by rubble from a building following a powerful earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand Photograph: David Alexander/AP

A police officer is seen on a street blocked by rubble from a damaged building Photograph: David Alexander/AP

Children huddle outside on a pavement in Christchurch after the earthquake Photograph: AP

People walk passed shops damaged during the earthquake Photograph: David Alexander/AP

A car damaged by rubble from a building Photograph: David Alexander/AP

A building damaged by the earthquake Photograph: David Alexander/AP

Rubble around a damaged building on St Asaph Street is cordoned off Photograph: David Alexander/AP

A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch following the quake Photograph: Reuters

A quake-damaged building in Christchurch Photograph: Carys Monteath/Reuters

A damaged car in Christchurch Photograph: Reuters

A quake-damaged building in Christchurch Photograph: Reuters

Damage seen on a motorway, north of Christchurch Photograph: Reuters

A damaged building after an earthquake in Christchurch Photograph: Reuters