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Three days of mourning have begun in Poland, after 21 people were killed by a fire which broke out in a hostel for homeless families.

A further 20 were injured in what has been described as the country's deadliest blaze in 29 years.

The fire broke out in Kamien Pomorski, a town in the north-west of Poland. Residents reportedly jumped from windows, many clinging onto children witnesses said.

The building was constructed in the early 1970s, originally designed to be a workers' hotel, but ownership was transferred to the local authorities a few years ago.

President Lech Kaczynski and prime minister Donald Tusk have publicly questioned the safety of the hostel, and how far it complied with fire regulations.

The blaze began early on Monday morning, and spread rapidly. At least 77 people were registered at the hostel while waiting for the local authority to provide housing for them.

Police have said the death toll could continue to rise, with 11 people still unaccounted for.