HERTFORDSHIRE'S chief fire officer Roy Wilsher, who is leading the UK's search and rescue team in Japan after a massive earthquake struck, will return home.

A team of around 60 specialists were dispatched to the country following a direct appeal from the Japanese authorities.

On Thursday, the group finished searching a town called Kamaishi, but were unable to find any survivors.

Now, with heavy snow and falling temperatures, there is now an extremely low chance of finding anyone else alive.

The UK team have therefore agreed with disaster authorities not to extend their operations and to begin to withdraw from the country.

Through a statement from the county council, Roy Wilsher described what he has witnessed.

He said: “There are areas of complete devastation; I can't quite believe it, it's like a bomb blast. The loss of possessions, property and moreover lives is massive.

“There's a vacant look in people's eyes, a look of disbelief. This is a real crisis and it will take Japan years to recover.

“I was part of the response team to the Buncefield disaster, which was one of the largest fires ever seen in Europe. But nothings compares to this.

“My role has been to oversee communication with people like Embassy staff and other fire services. I help wherever I can.”

Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development praised the efforts of the UK team.

He said: "We are all extremely proud of the work of the UK Fire and Rescue team. Sadly, the chance of them finding further survivors is now extremely low and so their specialist skills are no longer necessary in Japan. We have therefore agreed with the Japanese authorities that we will withdraw our team.

"I am proud that despite very difficult conditions, the UK Fire and Rescue service's dedication and professionalism was able to help Japan in its hour of need."

Earlier this week, the team also completed a search of Ofunato. Several bodies were detected, but no survivors were found.